Tasmanian accommodation providers are grappling with a slowdown in occupancy as the tourist off-season takes its toll on the industry.
In June, only 63.05% of available rooms were filled, marking the lowest rate since November 2021 when borders were closed to some mainland states.
Over the three months from April to June, the combined occupancy rate averaged at 65.36%, which is 11.43% lower compared to the same period in the previous year.
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association say despite a decrease of 8.33% in June compared to the previous year, it is the fourth time June occupancy has been over 60%, and the second-highest, following last year’s record of 71.38%.
“The last three months clearly show our accommodation levels are dipping and while it might appear concerning, we can’t lose sight of the fact that realistically we are now well and truly into our tourist off-season,” THA chief executive Steve Old said.
“For 15 months following our borders re-opening to mainland Australia in December 2021, we saw near unprecedented demand in Tasmania as a destination and the entire sector has been riding the wave.”
“It was only natural for the spike to plateau, especially with the cost-of-living crisis engulfing every sector and hitting everyone’s back pocket.”
To combat the challenges of the off-season, the THA suggests attracting tourists through business events, conferences, major sporting events and festivals to maintain momentum and boost occupancy.
Tourisim Tasmania are currently promoting the state with a major ‘Off Season’ campaign in metropolitan NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA and ACT – inviting visitors to “refuel their souls and wake up this winter with a holiday to Tasmania”.
In June, Southern Tasmania boasted the highest occupancy rate at 69.38%, followed by the North at 60.12% and the North West at 47.97%.
The median room rate for June was $209.94, with an average yield of $132.37.
