A new tourism campaign is encouraging Tasmanians to explore their home state for their next holiday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $1 million, 12-month Make Yourself At Home campaign was launched in Hobart on Thursday.
A recent survey commissioned by Tourism Tasmania found 68 per cent of Tasmanians were planning to take a holiday in Tasmania in the next 12 months with a majority preferring to holiday at home than take an interstate or international trip.
Tourism Tasmania chief executive John Fitzgerald said the campaign would encourage Tasmanians to choose a 'staycation'.
"We've got an audience there. We've just got to stimulate them and we think this campaign will hit the mark with Tasmanians," Mr Fitzgerald said.
Premier and Tourism Minister Peter Gutwein said after spending last weekend visiting Bridport he was not surprised many Tasmanians wanted to get out and about.
"I would encourage all Tasmanians after coming through what has been a very difficult period over the last handful of months to take the opportunity to experience what is the most beautiful, pristine and lovely place in the planet and that's the place we call home," Mr Gutwein said.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said there was something all Tasmanians could relate to in the campaign.
"It's a call to arms to Tasmanians to support visitor economies and tourism operators in every corner of the state who are looking at a really uncertain period over the next six to 12 months," Mr Martin said.
"It's a message to Tasmanians to holiday at home, tick off those Tasmanian bucket list experiences.
"If you are not in a position financially to do it, when you are heading to the shack or going out fishing, call into the coffee shop or buy that ice cream - think about supporting those local businesses."
In other news:
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the RACT have welcomed the campaign.
TCCI chief operations officer Colleen Reardon said the campaign would go a long way in rebuilding confidence in the sector.
"While our borders remain closed, it's up to Tasmanians to throw their support behind local businesses," Ms Reardon said.
"Tasmanians should make themselves at home this winter and rediscover what makes our state so special."
RACT chief operating officer destinations Andrew Paynter said he was optimistic Tasmanians would take the opportunity to explore the state.
"Vibrant regions make for a strong Tasmanian tourism industry and it's encouraging to see the campaign's focus on our natural areas," Mr Paynter said.
"Hopefully this campaign will encourage more operators to open and help rebuild confidence in the sector and the broader business community as we begin the COVID-19 recovery."