Holiday at home, Tassie urged

TASMANIANS have been encouraged to take a holiday at home this summer to ameliorate the effects of tourism operators being brought “to their knees” by bushfires.

Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam made the plea yesterday after news the Federal Government would roll out a $76 million tourism recovery fund for hotels, restaurants, cafes and tour operators after months of “cancellations and collapsing booking numbers”.

It was revealed last week that most cancellations across Australia this summer were local people choosing to stay at home rather than travel for holidays, according to the Australian Tourism Industry Council.

“Tourism operators have endured the direct impacts of the fires, with evacuations and cancellations during the peak season and forward bookings dropping away,” he said.

“But the ongoing indirect effects are being felt in towns and cities far from the fire front, and Tasmania like all states will not be immune.”

Mr Duniam urged Tasmanians who wanted to help to “plan a trip in their own backyard”.

“Every minute and every dollar Tassie travellers spend in our fire-affected regions, and even those that are completely unaffected right here at home, will help.”

The Australian Tourism Export Council welcomed news of the bushfire recovery fund, noting it was important the country act urgently to “reassure

visitors that Australia is open for business”.

Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham backed the call, urging Australians to holiday at home after the bushfire news had “scared potential visitors away”, adding a local campaign would be kicked off.

“My message to anyone thinking about a holiday – from here or overseas – is that Australia’s towns and our incredible parks and beaches are open for business and they need your help,” he said.