Rush to gowest

MORE Tasmanians are packing their bags to head west for the school holidays.

A survey by travel website Wotif says interest in visits to the West Coast and North-West Coast had spiked with searches up by 130 per cent for both regions in August when compared with July. Travel operators said the areas were “largely undiscovered” by southern Tasmanians.

THE wild beauty of Tasmania’ s West Coast has enticed a growing number of families to consider visiting the region for the school holidays.

But a peak regional tourism body says our cities are beginning to struggle.

Data from travel website Wotif has revealed interest in visiting the West Coast and North-West Coast in September has sky rocketed.

West by North-West chief executive Tom Wootton said it was the perfect area to experience the state at its “most authentic ”.

“It’s still strangely undiscovered by most southern Tasmanians ,” he said .“I think now one of the things people will be seeking is really authentic experience s—we can offer that .”

He said there were also many hidden gems.

“Some of the really inspirational and high-end accommodation offering son the coast remain largely undiscovered,” he said. “There are some really beautiful places to stay along the pristine coast line .”

Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said its data showed Tasmanians were looking to make the most of the great outdoors these holidays.

“As a result, we’re seeing a spike in interest for destinations in the western wilderness and along the East Coast ,” he said.

“With over 1800 km of coastline, countless national parks and excellent nature-based activities on offer in Tasmania, it’ s fantastic to see Tasmanians are taking advantage of the kids’ time off and making themselves at home these school holidays .”

Wotif’s data looked at the differences in searches for Tasmanian holiday destinations from July 1 to 30 compared with August 1 to 30.

It showed interest in the West Coast spiked at more than 130 per cent interest, with the North-West Coast close behind at nearly 130 percent.

Interest in Launceston went up 90 per cent, with the East Coast up 70 percent and South-East Coast up 50 percent. Interest in Hobart was up 30 per cent.

Tourism Northern Tasmania chief executive Chris Griffin said they were expecting good trade across the holidays.

But without interstate visitors, things were still very difficult for the Northern Tasmanian tourism industry.

“Last year we saw 192,000 visitors into the region from interstate and internationally ,” he said. “Tasmanians just can’t fill that. It’s a very hard market to replace and we can’t sustain that type of loss.”

He said he expected destinations such as Derby and Bridport to do well.

“Regional destinations where people can getaway for a nature-based weekend (will do well ),” he said .“But the cities are in need of more promotion .”