Tasmania’s Eat Local Stay Local hospitality voucher scheme will proceed, following uncertainty around the program during the election.
The state government has confirmed the initiative will proceed, though at a reduced scale, with Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Jane Howlett revealing that approximately $4 million of the original budget commitment will be returned to Treasury as savings.
“During the two-week period applications were open in June, 100,000 vouchers were available, with just under 60,000 Tasmanians applying,” she said.
“There won’t be a follow-up round.”
Those who applied will receive an email with details on how to redeem their $100 voucher in the coming week and vouchers must be used by 30 November 2025.
Hospitality Tasmania Chief Executive Steve Old welcomed the announcement, saying the scheme would benefit both Tasmanian businesses and families.
“We are delighted the Eat Local Stay Local initiative is going ahead. These vouchers have a real impact, encouraging Tasmanians to get out and enjoy a meal, a night away, or an experience they might otherwise put off,” Old said.
“We understand the need to balance the budget, and while the scheme has been scaled back, it is pleasing to see it retained.”
“Even at this level, it will make a meaningful difference to hospitality and tourism businesses right across the state.”
The initiative comes at a critical time for the sector, with many venues facing increased operational costs and slower trading conditions as the state emerges from winter.
Salamanca Inn Manager Phil Fuglsang described the announcement as a timely lift for venues across the state.
“This is great news for the sector and for the thousands of Tasmanians who will take advantage of the scheme,” Fuglsang said.
“Every voucher redeemed is business in the till, staff hours secured and a stronger outlook for operators as we head towards summer.”
