Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sector is a jobs powerhouse, with new data revealing one in eight Tasmanians are employed in the industry.
There were an incredible 42,900 tourism-related jobs in Tasmania in the 2022-23 financial year, which is an increase of 21 per cent from the previous year, according to recently released data from Tourism Research Australia.
These jobs are in tourism businesses, such as accommodation and tours, but also in hospitality venues, food and beverage producers, arts and culture, petrol and transport services and other ancillary services.
Premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Jeremy Rockliff, said the proportion of Tasmanians employed in tourism is more than any other state or territory, reinforcing the sector’s importance as an economic driver.
“At the same time, I want to acknowledge that some businesses across Tasmania are doing it tough right now due to cost of living challenges and the increasing cost of doing business, which is why we are taking action right now through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future,” Premier Rockliff said.
“One of Tasmania’s competitive strengths is in agritourism, but we know some operators can come up against significant red tape making it more challenging.
“Work is underway to reduce red tape in agritourism by simplifying planning rules and streamlining approval pathways for operators”.
“Visitors come to Tasmania to enjoy unique and authentic experiences where they can meet a producer, learn about the history behind a product and get a taste for farm life, and that’s exactly what these reforms will deliver.”
The impact of agritourism extends well beyond the farm gates, and the recent success of Curringa Farm at the World Agri Tourism Awards in Italy highlights Tasmania’s increasing agritourism offering internationally.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Industry of Tasmania, Amy Hills, said for every dollar spent directly by visitors in Tasmania, an additional 83 cents was generated in the broader Tasmanian economy. Additionally, we have some of the most dependent regions on tourism in the country.
“Our operators are part of their communities and treasure what is special about our island and we want to support them to continue employing Tasmanians and generating economic activity for the regions. That’s why working on reducing red tape in areas like agritourism in so important, so we are able to leverage our competitive strengths and provide authentic Tasmanian experiences, that visitors will want to keep coming back for.”
Tasmania’s visitor economy injected $3.63 billion into the State in 2023, but we know tourism businesses need our support during the quieter months.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering the State’s largest investment in a winter marketing initiative, with more than 500 Off Season offers available to encourage visitation,” Premier Rockliff said.
“This year’s campaign also invites Australians to become ‘a winter person’ and immerse themselves in a truly unique Tasmanian Off Season holiday.”