Tasmania has welcomed a record 1.404 million visitors, with Queensland tourists driving much of the growth as spending climbed to almost $3.8 billion.
New Tourism Tasmania data shows visitation rose 4.8% in the year to March, while spending increased 7.8% to $3.791 billion – the second-highest result recorded for a year ending in March.
Queensland was the standout growth market, with 259,600 visitors travelling to Tasmania, up 12.7% year-on-year.
They spent $834.5 million, an increase of 15.8%, making Queensland the only one of Tasmania’s three largest interstate markets to surpass its previous spending peak.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Amy Hills said the figures showed what could be achieved through continued investment in tourism.
“The latest data shows what can be achieved when there’s consistent and clever investment in destination marketing, a steady pipeline of events, all backed with strong access to our island by air and sea,” she told Pulse.
Hills said Tasmania’s tourism operators had helped convert strong interest in the state into record visitation.
“Our brand is strong and we know people want to visit – over the past 12 months we’ve worked hard together to give them the reasons to turn that desire into action.”
Interstate travellers continued to make up the majority of visitors, with a record 1.222 million mainland tourists travelling to the state.
Victorians remained Tasmania’s largest interstate market, accounting for 37% of mainland visitors, followed by New South Wales at 27% and Queensland at 21%.
Nearly half of interstate visitors came to Tasmania for a holiday, while 30% visited friends or relatives and 15% travelled for business.
International visitors also made a growing contribution, spending a record $758.6 million in Tasmania – up 36.2% on the previous year – although visitor numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.
The state’s natural landscapes, food and wine experiences and major cultural attractions, such as Dark Mofo, remain among its biggest drawcards.
Tourism Minister Roger Jaensch said the results reflected the strength of Tasmania’s visitor economy.
“Tasmania continues to prove it is one of the world’s must-visit destinations, thanks to the hard work of our tourism, hospitality and events operators, their dedicated staff and welcoming communities right across the state,” he said.
Visitors spent an average of $2,700 per trip, while the average length of stay eased slightly to 9.2 nights.
