Scheme no home run in the South

AS the Make Yourself at Home scheme comes to an end, its varying impact on accommodation providers has been revealed.

Where some parts of Tasmania experienced a lift in activity, the South appears to have largely missed out.

According to the Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s October report on hotel occupancy, Southern Tasmania’s accommodation providers are experiencing the slowest recovery in the state.

Just a third of available rooms were filled in October compared with almost 90 per cent occupancy at the same time last year.

The North had the biggest boost in occupancy rates with about 55 per cent of rooms occupied, a 10 per cent growth from September.

Operators in the NorthWest also reported positive signs with occupancy up to 48.17 per cent in October — an increase of 12.3 per cent from September.

The report also found the cost of rooms statewide was considerably reduced compared with last year, the average room costing $ 32.74 less.

THA chief executive Steve Old said he expected visitation and occupancy to have significantly increased in November.

“We hope that the October report is the last month that we will see figures this low,” Mr Old said.

“Our accommodation providers are still struggling to recover and I hope, with the borders opening, warmer weather and the redemption of the tourism incentive vouchers, they see some significant growth in November.”

As of 9am Monday, 22,388 vouchers had been redeemed, claiming $ 5.75m, Premier Peter Gutwein said.

The cut- off for travel activities was November 30. Claims needed to be made within 30 days of the first eligible activity.

Mr Gutwein thanked Tasmanians for supporting the visitor economy.

“I’d encourage everyone who is still to redeem their voucher to go online and do so,” he said.

“My message to Tasmanians is even though our borders are reopening, don’t forget what’s in our back yard and let’s continue to support our state during summer.”

More flights to Queensland have resumed, and Jetstar also launches its Hobart to Gold Coast service, flying three times a week, on Tuesday.