Hobart has claimed the crown as Australia’s busiest capital city for accommodation in January, recording an 88.4% occupancy rate that outperformed every other major city during peak summer holidays.
The result caps off a busy summer for Tasmania’s tourism industry, with statewide occupancy hitting 85% despite broader economic pressures affecting the hospitality sector.
New data from Hospitality Tasmania shows visitors weren’t just flocking to the island state in record numbers – they were also paying premium prices. Average room rates climbed to $294.77, up nearly $27 from the previous year.
“To see Hobart leading every capital city in the country during the peak holiday period is an outstanding result,” Hospitality Tasmania chief executive Steve Old said.
“It confirms what many operators experienced firsthand, that Tasmania was front of mind for travellers this summer.”
“Given Sydney had the fifth Ashes Test at the start of the month and the Australian Open unfolded in Melbourne, the figures show Tasmania continues to punch above its weight nationally,” Old said.
Regional areas also delivered strong results across the state. Tasmania’s East Coast broke through the 90% occupancy barrier, hitting 90.04 per cent for the month.
The north performed equally well, with Launceston reaching 87.79% occupancy boosted by the sold-out Foo Fighters concert that saw hotels across the city booked out for the weekend.
“Major events like the Foo Fighters concert deliver immediate and visible benefits to accommodation providers, venues and surrounding businesses,” Old said.
