Visitors are lining up to travel to the state by sea, with the two Spirit of Tasmania vessels recording more than 433,000 passengers on board in just one year.
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According to new figures released on Thursday, passenger numbers on the ferries have risen by about 100,000 people, or 31 per cent, in four years.
In the last financial year, 433,925 took to the seas to kick off or end their Tasmanian travels.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the additional daytime sailings and refurbishments to the ships had helped lead to the significant rise in passenger numbers.
“It’s been an amazing turnaround and it bodes well for the future of TT-Line,” Mr Martin said.
“We know that those who come by sea usually stay longer and they spend more time in regional areas, so for our regional tourism, they’re fundamentally important.
“As long as Tasmania continues to be an appealing destination, there’s every reason to expect the ships will as well.”
He said that on average, visitors who arrived by sea spent about $1000 more than those who arrived by air.
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said there had also been a 15 per cent reduction in average fare prices for passengers.
“The Liberal government commends all at TT-Line for the positive way they have executed our plan and we know they are looking forward to an even brighter future,” Mr Hidding said.
“A total of $100 million in dividends and general government contributions has been prudently locked away for the purchase of the next generation of Bass Strait ferries.”
