The Foo Fighters’ Tasmanian concert has injected around $7 million into northern Tasmania’s economy, with Launceston Airport recording its busiest day in its 95 year history.
Minister Jo Palmer said 6,880 passengers passed through the airport on Friday 23 January, the day before the sold-out concert.
It marked the ninth consecutive month of record growth for the airport.
Virgin Australia added an extra 1,700 seats for the weekend, while Qantas and Jetstar combined provided nearly 3,000 additional seats.
Launceston Airport CEO Katie Cooper said January 2026 was the airport’s biggest month on record, with 160,000 passengers.
“When the airport’s busy, the cafes are busy, the pubs are busy, the hotels are busy, and the whole region feels that benefit,” she said.
Hotels across Launceston were fully booked within 45 minutes of the concert announcement.
Clinton Pentland from Launceston’s Mercure Hotel said his venue achieved 96% occupancy for January, the best month in the hotel’s 10-year operating history.
“Over 70% of our guests were interstate, so as far as Darwin, Perth and Fremantle,” he said.
Pentland said the economic impact extended beyond the concert weekend, with visitors arriving early or staying late to explore the region’s vineyards and attractions.
“With putting Tasmania at the front of minds for other states as a tourist destination, Tasmanians and tourism operators and businesses will reap the benefit beyond that weekend.”
Palmer said the concert was part of a blockbuster summer that included sold-out events like Festivale and record attendance at Party In the Paddock.
The weekend saw restaurants and cafes at capacity, with some businesses hiring extra staff and pubs opening on days they normally close.
Pentland said similar major events during shoulder seasons would be welcomed by the hospitality sector, which has traditionally struggled during quieter winter months.
