With COVID-19 having devastated Tasmania's vital tourism industry, the state government has announced a travel voucher scheme to encourage people to support the visitor economy.
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Vouchers worth up to $550 are being made available to spend on accommodation and tourism experiences.
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But where can Tasmanians access these vouchers? Who is eligible to obtain them? Where exactly can they be spent?
While the full terms and conditions are yet to be released, we've endeavoured to answer as many of your questions about the Make Yourself at Home scheme as we could.
WHO CAN APPLY?
People who reside in Tasmania are eligible to apply for the travel vouchers, although you must be over the age of 18 at the time of application.
HOW MUCH CAN I CLAIM?
Depending on availability of vouchers and the eligibility of the applicant, the amount Tasmanians can claim is as follows:
One adult registration:
- Maximum claim of $150.
- One $100 accommodation voucher and/or one $50 experience voucher.
Two adult registration:
- Maximum claim of $300.
- Two $100 accommodation vouchers for use on different nights and/or two $50 experience vouchers.
Family with children registration:
- Maximum claim of $550.
- Family of two adults: two $150 accommodation vouchers for use on different nights and/or two $50 experience vouchers.
- Family of one adult: one $150 accommodation voucher and/or one $50 experience voucher.
- Children: one $50 experience voucher per child, capped at three, or $150.
You'll need to ensure the eligible business you're patronising provides you with a valid receipt or other proof of purchase in order to redeem your voucher.
WHERE AND WHEN CAN I USE THE VOUCHERS?
The accommodation vouchers can be used at establishments offering short-term stays on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays in the months of September, October or November, 2020.
These establishments could be apartments, backpacker accommodation, hostels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, holiday parks, cottages, farm stays, holiday houses, motels, hotels, resorts, retreats or lodges.
The experience vouchers can be used on tourism attractions, experiences and tours that are offered on any day of the week.
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You can spend them on such activities as organised tours like boat cruises, guided walks, bus tours, air tours, agri-tourism, food and wine tours and outdoor and adventure tours.
There is also the option to claim back the money you spend on tourism attractions, including zoos, air walks, golf tourism and more.
WHAT CAN'T I SPEND THE VOUCHERS ON?
There are a number of activities and services Tasmanians won't be able to use their vouchers on:
- Events;
- National park passes and entry fees;
- Parks and Wildlife campground fees;
- Food and drink that isn't part of an eligible tour or agri-tourism experience;
- Retail goods, including souvenirs and gifts;
- Sport participation fees;
- General services;
- Hire of vehicles or equipment that aren't part of an eligible tourism experience;
- Information services;
- Transport services not part of an eligible tourism experience;
- Fuel; and
- Alcohol.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE VOUCHERS?
Tasmanian residents will be able to register for the vouchers from 9am on September 7 via the Make Yourself at Home website. Further details on how to redeem the vouchers will be provided during the registration process.
DO THE VOUCHERS EXPIRE?
Yes. Once you've received your voucher or vouchers, they must be redeemed within 30 days of your eligible travel transaction.
HOW MANY VOUCHERS ARE AVAILABLE? CAN I CLAIM MORE THAN ONE?
A limited number of vouchers are being made available, so it's a case of first in, best dressed.
You are allowed to register for additional vouchers but only after you've redeemed your first voucher.
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Rob Inglis
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
