TASMANIA: Tasmania Records Biggest Jump In International Visitors

Tourism Research Australia figures show Tasmania has recorded the biggest increase in international visitors of any state or territory, with a 28 per cent rise in the year to March.

The jump translates to an extra 197,000 international travellers who contributed to a 42 per cent jump in expenditure.

The key visitor markets were China and Hong Kong, which rose 49 and 38 per cent respectively.

The Tasmanian Hospitality Association's Steve Old welcomed the increase but said there was still work to do.

"We're obviously working on China and other international tourist destinations and I think we're really starting to kick some goals," he said.

"I think it's the start of a long journey for us to increase year by year so we're not going to put a ceiling on where we can end up here."
Tasmanian visitor snapshot


Average length of stay increased to 17 nights
Holiday nights up 50pc to 1.82m
Education travellers up 48pc to 5,900
International visitors spent $304m, up 42pc
Chinese visitors up 49pc
Hong Kong visitors up 38pc

State Growth Minister Matthew Groom said the growth highlighted the importance of Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to the state in November.

"The figures in terms of increased Chinese tourists to Tasmania is great news and, in fact, I think there's opportunity for further growth," he said.

"There's no doubt at all that Tasmania's reputation has gone to another level."

The Tasmanian tourism industry has responded to the growing Chinese interest, producing targeted information and employing guides who speak Mandarin.

Last year, Chinese visitors were Port Arthur Historic Site's largest slice of the market.

Tourism Research Australia said nationally there was a 9 per cent increase in international visitors, the highest ever annual growth rate.

It is estimated visitors spent $32.5 billion, with Chinese tourists contributing 20 per cent of the expenditure.

The numbers prompted calls from lobby group Tourism and Transport Forum Australia to capitalise on the Chinese growth by reducing visa fees.