Key tourism and hospitality groups have welcomed the state government's decision to re-introduce the Make Yourself at Home travel vouchers to help boost a hamstrung tourism industry.
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Border closures due to coronavirus outbreaks in several states had left tourism operators nervous about their viability in the coming months.
In an effort to aid the industry, the state government announced a $7.5 million voucher scheme to entice Tasmanians to holiday at home.
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Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin welcomed the return of the popular initiative.
"After what has been a really positive six months, our visitor economy fell off a cliff this week with cancellations, refunds and closed borders," he said.
"With no JobKeeper, the risks this poses to the whole Tasmanian economy are immense and that's why it is so important the government has responded as swiftly as it has."
Tasmanian Hospitality Association chief executive Steve Old echoed those thoughts.
"While we're not in lockdown here, it's still an extremely challenging and uncertain period for our industry. Operators have been enduring constant challenges for 18 months and it does become relentless," he said.
"We appreciate the government listening to our call for assistance to get operators and venues through this period. I think it will help boost morale as well as business viability."
Unlike the last voucher scheme which operated on a "first in best dressed" allocation, this initiative will use a lottery-style allocation.
Previously, consumers expressed disappointment after they experienced delays on the vouchers website.
Visit Northern Tasmania Tourism chief executive Chris Griffin was pleased to see the change in system.
"It is also good to see there is a ballot scheme ... there is more opportunity for others which is very welcomed in terms of improving the system," he said.
"It's probably one of the most successful marketing initiatives we've seen in Tasmania in terms of stimulating Tasmanians to travel.
"[With] uncertainty in our interstate markets given where the lockdowns currently are, this is very welcomed from a tourism perspective."
Tasmania Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett shared the sentiment regarding the system changes for the re-introduced scheme.
"Improvements in the voucher system are also welcome, meaning those that want to participate, can," he said.
"We must not have the situation where only a fraction of the vouchers are redeemed denying those who are not quite so quick on the keyboard the opportunity to holiday in Tasmania's winter wonderland."
However, not everyone is pleased with the re-introduced scheme.
Labor criticised the scheme for being too narrow in scope given the extent of the problems caused by the border closures.
"It should be expanded to include hospitality venues who are also feeling the impact from border closures," acting Labor leader Anita Dow said.
"The lack of any financial support from the Federal Government at the same time visitor numbers have been restricted is having a severe impact on the tourism and hospitality sector which makes up 17 per cent of all direct and indirect employment in the state.
"Jobs are on the line and businesses remain on shaky ground as they try to remain viable through a very quiet winter."
"Improvements in the voucher system are also welcome, meaning those that want to participate, can," he said.
Last year, the first round of travel vouchers, worth $7.5 million, was fully subscribed within 40 minutes of opening.
The popularity of the initiative saw the government deliver a second round of travel vouchers in September, worth $5 million, which was also popular.
Expressions of interest are set to open early August when the scheme is opened, with the vouchers redeemable for travel up until September 24.
Guidelines and entry requirements are set to be finalised within the coming week.
Mr Old said the THA would work with businesses to maximise the vouchers for their business.
"We'll be working with key people to determine how these vouchers can be maximised to help the whole industry," he said.
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