Spirit of Tasmania is expecting to transport over 167,000 passengers to and from the island state between now and the end of May 2025.
Operator TT-Line has started its double sailing schedule and is planning to operate 502 trips, including 138 day sailings, until the end of May next year.
Transport Minister Eric Abetz said further day sailings were likely to be introduced based on demand.
He said the number of people booked for travel from December 2024 to May 2025 is 167,274, 3,299 more than at the same point in time last year.
“We know that there has been a general softening of demand across all air and sea routes in recent times, which is what makes these figures particularly welcome,” he said.
“Pleasingly, 78% of this financial year’s bookings for the period are mainland Australians travelling to Tasmania.”
About 3,572 people are international travellers, with the rest of the bookings from Tasmania.
65% of vehicles booked over the period are classified as “standard”, 25% caravans or motorhomes and the remaining 10% motorbikes or in the towed category.
“This slight rise in demand is positive and I warmly welcome these travellers to Tasmania who will be making the most of our beautiful island home in the new year,” Abetz said.
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