OUR STATE OF PLAY

REVEALED TASSIE’S SHOCK TOURISM WIN

TASMANIA now plays host to more international visitors each year per capita than Queensland — with our 300,000 visitors equivalent to 57 per cent of the population, higher than the Sunshine State’s 55 per cent equation.

THE fact Tasmania now has more international visitors per capita than Queensland is testament to the strength of the state’s brand, the tourism industry council’s boss says.

The statistic was highlighted yesterday when the Tasmania Report was launched with a breakfast event at the Hotel Grand Chancellor.

The most recent international tourism survey results confirms that in the year to June this year, Tasmania welcomed 300,000 international tourists.

This represented about 57 per cent of the state’s current population.

In comparison, Queensland had 2.75 million international visitors, equating to 55 per cent of its population.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said it showed the lure of Tasmania’s brand was working.

“We’re the fastest growing international visitors destination in Australia and the only state that doesn’t have international flights,’’ he said.

“It’s an extraordinary testament to the market choosing to come to Tasmania over other states.”

International flights into the state have been flagged under the Hobart City Deal but Mr Martin noted that Tasmania was already outperforming other states without them.

International tourists Jordan and Paula Williams said they would recommend Tasmania to their family and friends in the UK.

The family, including oneyear-old daughter Grace, visited Freycinet for a family wedding and spent four nights in the state.

It was the first time in Tasmania for the family, who hail from Worcestershire, 2½ hours northwest of London.

“This was a treat, really, coming to Tasmania,” Mr Williams said.

“It’s beautiful, so clean, tidy and the people are really nice and polite. It’s great.

“Bit like home as well, the temperature, the climate.”

The Tasmania Report, initiated by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, found a strong tourism industry was crucial to the state’s economic success.

The report said total visitor spending reached $2.5 billion in the year ending June this year. Among other findings, the report outlined a need to better fund preventive measures in health, a requirement to attract younger and skilled people, and improve education outcomes.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein hailed the success of a strong economy, saying the report confirmed the Government’s plan to grow the economy, create jobs and maintain business confidence was working.

But Labor’s treasury spokesman David O’Byrne said the report showed Tasmania was trailing the country on many key indicators, including in health and housing affordability.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said inequality is increasing and the gap between rich and poor is widening.