More than 2300 bookings on the Spirit of Tasmania were made in the hours following the government's announcement that Tasmania's borders would be reopening on December 15.
Tourism Minister Sarah Courtney provided details of interest in Tasmania from interstate during a speech to Parliament on Tuesday.
She said Friday's Spirit bookings were estimated at $1 million in value.
In the days following, about $800,000 worth of bookings were made on both Saturday and Sunday.
The tourism industry has broadly welcomed the date announcement, which Premier Peter Gutwein said will not be changed.
Borders will open to all states and territories provided people are fully vaccinated and have tested negative to COVID-19 within 72 hours before travelling.
On Tuesday, Mr Gutwein provided a further update on the rationale behind various levels of restrictions once borders reopen.
He said advice on mask wearing was still being developed.
"The modelling that we have released includes wearing masks in indoor settings outside of our home," Mr Gutwein said.
"Public Health are working on that, looking at what the model will be for Tasmania, bearing in mind that at the moment you only need to wear a mask if you're at a large event of more than 1000 people.
"Public Health will provide further advice on that moving forward."
Tasmania's reopening plan also included reference to decreased levels of contact tracing use.
At the moment, contact tracing works at 100 per cent capacity by determining close contacts within 24 hours.
Mr Gutwein said this might not be fully necessary come December 15.
"The modelling that we've released ... has two levels of contact tracing included in it. One is at 80 per cent, one is at 50 per cent," he said.
"What we know from experience, and the Victorian and NSW and also what's occurred in other states when they've had broader-based lockdowns, is that contact tracing when the case count starts to increase becomes increasingly more difficult.
"Rather than put out modelling that included 100 per cent contact tracing as we currently have, we put out modelling demonstrating an 80 per cent of a 50 per cent model."
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
Adam Holmes
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
