TOURISM and hospitality advocates have expressed their concern at the timing of this weekend’s blockbuster AFL match. Two of the league’s top sides, Hawthorn and Fremantle, will battle it out at Aurora Stadium in Launceston at 3.20pm on Sunday. Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chairman Luke Martin said although he expected people to travel to the game, rostering remained a bugbear of the industry. He said he had lobbied for several years for Friday and Saturday night matches to encourage intra and interstate tourists to stay in the region. ‘‘It must be a priority,’’ he said. ‘‘Sunday late afternoon is a challenge.’’ Tasmanian Hospitality Association general manager Steve Old said although early signs looked promising for the industry he was interested to see the time slot’s impact on attendance. He encouraged people to attend the match to show the AFL the state was committed to the game. ‘‘It seems to be that pub and restaurant bookings are strong for the weekend,’’ he said. AFL media manager Patrick Keane said the 3.20pm timeslot was dedicated to prime-time television. ‘‘It’s a pivotal match this year,’’ he said. ‘‘To be honest I’m amazed anyone would criticise it.’’ When asked if rostering was a factor in negotiations with the AFL, a government spokesman replied: ‘‘Negotiations are ongoing and we’re not going to provide a running commentary on what is being discussed.’’
TOURISM and hospitality advocates have expressed their concern at the timing of this weekend’s blockbuster AFL match.
Two of the league’s top sides, Hawthorn and Fremantle, will battle it out at Aurora Stadium in Launceston at 3.20pm on Sunday.
Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chairman Luke Martin said although he expected people to travel to the game, rostering remained a bugbear of the industry.
He said he had lobbied for several years for Friday and Saturday night matches to encourage intra and interstate tourists to stay in the region.
‘‘It must be a priority,’’ he said.
‘‘Sunday late afternoon is a challenge.’’
Tasmanian Hospitality Association general manager Steve Old said although early signs looked promising for the industry he was interested to see the time slot’s impact on attendance.
He encouraged people to attend the match to show the AFL the state was committed to the game.
‘‘It seems to be that pub and restaurant bookings are strong for the weekend,’’ he said.
AFL media manager Patrick Keane said the 3.20pm timeslot was dedicated to prime-time television.
‘‘It’s a pivotal match this year,’’ he said.
‘‘To be honest I’m amazed anyone would criticise it.’’
When asked if rostering was a factor in negotiations with the AFL, a government spokesman replied: ‘‘Negotiations are ongoing and we’re not going to provide a running commentary on what is being discussed.’’
