Spirit of Tasmania free car travel extension looks possible

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propertyHome/News/BusinessSpirit of Tasmania free car travel extension looks possibleBy Sean FordUpdated June 28 2021 - 3:12pm, first published 2:53pmBy Sean FordUpdated June 28 2021 -

3:12pm, first published 2:53pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyPicture: Simon Sturzaker. There is growing hope free car travel on the Spirit of Tasmania ferries will continue beyond the

planned June 30 cut-off.

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50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue The federal government

is scheduled to end its temporary boost to the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme brought in to aid tourism recover from the coronavirus crash.

The boost allows cars to travel for free, being a saving of more than $200 on top of the established subsidy scheme.

Assistant Industry Minister Jonathon Duniam described the increase to the scheme as "a temporary and targeted program aimed at kick-starting a much-needed boost to tourism".

"I have reached out to the Tasmanian government to discuss this issue and how a solution might be found, including any role they might play."

A state government spokesperson said: "While it is a federal government initiative, the Tasmanian government supports any measure which brings more people to our state and we will continue

to work with our federal colleagues to see it continued."

"This initiative brought tourists into Tasmania with their own vehicles, which meant they could explore everything we had to offer, including in our regions and furthest corners, providing a

welcome boost to the local economies."

The tourism sector is keen for the boost to the scheme to continue beyond June 30, with Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin saying it had led to the Spirits coming

to Tasmania "full".

It is not clear how much or for how long the latest spike in coronavirus cases - especially in New South Wales - will affect Spirit passenger numbers.

On Monday, Mr Martin said: "Given what's happening right now with the uncertainty in the market with the border restrictions, people have their heads in the ground if they think the

industry's not going to need some form of support in the back half of this year."

Mr Martin said he believed the measure was the most important one the government had taken to help Tasmanian tourism during the coronavirus period.

He said Tasmania would be well placed to compete for Victorian visitors, especially with Victoria doing relatively well now on coronavirus cases.

"Why not capititalise on that with a relatively small investment?" he said.

"These are going to be uncertain times for tourism.

"Government has a role to play and this (measure) is a good one."

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopySean FordJournalistThe Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics, politics, crime.The Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics,

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