| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 45 |
| Copyright: Other |
Destination update by Teresa Machan
UK tops the league of tourists to Tasmania
Region enjoys healthy growth in sales
Cradle Mountain: Tasmania offers itineraries to suit all ages and tastes, from scenic self-drives to adventure sportsOFTEN referred to Down Under as ‘the little bit that dropped off South Australia’, Tasmania is also overlooked as an international holiday destination. However latest visitor figures from Tourism Tasmania put the UK at number one in its league table of international visitors.
Last year, the number of visitors to Australia’s island state increased by 10.2% to 20,100 – reflecting a general trend in ex-UK growth.
Since 1996, Tasmania has seen UK visitors increase 41% per year and David Phillips, Tourism Tasmania’s regional manager Europe, opened a new office in the UK at the end of last year in response to positive feedback from UK tour operators.
Bridge the World has increased its Tasmania product range by 50% this year and sales are also up by 50%. According to marketing director James Bell, an exclusive range of boutique bed-and-breakfast properties called Little Gems has proved extremely popular as part of a six-day self-drive package.
Bridge the World is also launching a product called Walkabout, focusing on soft-adventure and wilderness experiences.
Phillips said wilderness and adventure product are among the destination’s main draws for traffic from the UK and Europe, coupled with an endless supply of outstanding new product.
Some 40% of Tasmania is National Park or World Heritage Area and its potential for active holidays in a safe, unspoilt environment with a climate to suit was the state’s biggest hook, he said. Added to this is a significant increase in airline capacity across the Bass Strait by Ansett, Qantas and Ansett subsidiary Kendell Airlines, coupled with a wide range of promotional fares.
The biggest attraction to emerge from Tasmania in 20 years is a new wilderness train product, the restored Abt Railway, which, when completed at the end of this year, will take travellers on a 21-mile steam journey through some of the world’s only remaining, and World Heritage status temperate rainforest.
Leaving Queenstown, the train will weave its way through ancient pine forests and past spectacular gorges and waterfalls, before taking the path of the Gordon River to the rugged west coast fishing village of Strahan, often referred to as the ‘gateway to the west coast’.
Strahan is the main embarkation point for access to west coast wilderness areas and the Gordon and Franklin Rivers.
Gold Medal product executive Australia Liz Ready said Tasmania has much more to offer than most people appreciate. “It’s a destination that really does have something for all age groups, from scenic self-drives through quaint towns, to a gentle three-day walk through Cradle Mountain National Park, and a six to 12-day walking, cycling and abseiling adventure.”
Gold Medal’s Holidays brochure features three self-drive itineraries, while a 12-day around Tasmania coach tour in conjunction with AAT Kings costs £1,215 per person.
Jetset marketing manager Louise Dixon said that Tasmania appeals particularly to the repeat visitor to Australia.
“It is especially popular with people visiting friends and family in Melbourne who want to explore a bit further.
“Tasmania is growing year on year and product expansion is planned for next year,” she said.
Tasmania: appeals to the repeat Australia visitor