Tasmania Boosts Tourism with Four Million Dollar Fund to Prepare for Surge in Visitors from New Spirit of Tasmania Vessels

Published on December 23, 2025

Tasmania’s tourism industry is set to experience a significant transformation with the upcoming arrival of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels. In preparation for this anticipated surge in visitors, Tasmanian businesses and local councils will share in more than $4 million from the Spirit Preparedness Fund. This investment aims to help the state’s tourism sector adapt to the expected growth in tourism, particularly within the caravan and motorhome market, as travellers increasingly choose road trips to explore Tasmania’s natural beauty.

Preparing for the Surge in Visitors

As part of the Spirit Preparedness Fund, local businesses and councils across Tasmania will receive funding to enhance their infrastructure and services, ensuring that the state can accommodate the influx of tourists expected to arrive via the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels. With a particular focus on the caravan and motorhome market, the initiative aims to improve facilities and offer experiences that cater to the growing demand for outdoor and road-based holidays.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality, and Events, Jane Howlett, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, highlighting that the funding will support four councils in the northern and north-western regions of the state. Additionally, 17 businesses will benefit from this investment, enabling them to diversify their tourism offerings and provide more experiences for visitors. This program aims to not only enhance the visitor experience but also encourage tourists to extend their stay and explore more of Tasmania’s hidden gems.

Minister Howlett also noted that this initiative aligns with the state’s broader goal of enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring that tourism’s benefits are spread across all regions of Tasmania. The funding is seen as a key component in preparing for the anticipated increase in visitation and ensuring that Tasmania is well-equipped to cater to a diverse range of travellers.

Regional Tourism: The Heart of Tasmania’s Growth

The Spirit Preparedness Fund forms part of a larger effort to ensure Tasmania’s tourism industry is ready for the increase in visitor numbers. Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) CEO, Amy Hills, spoke about the extensive research that has been conducted to understand the types of visitors who will be travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania vessels. This research has focused on identifying the specific needs and expectations of these visitors, and on creating experiences that cater to their interests, particularly those who prefer outdoor, self-drive, and caravan-based holidays.

Hills emphasised that the program not only aims to improve the overall visitor experience but also encourages tourists to explore Tasmania’s regional communities more deeply. With the expected growth in the caravan and motorhome sector, the funding will help councils and tourism operators strengthen infrastructure, particularly caravan parks, rest areas, and RV facilities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for travellers.

By improving infrastructure and diversifying tourism offerings, Tasmania’s regional communities will be better prepared to welcome the increased number of visitors. This approach ensures that the economic benefits of increased tourism will be shared across the state, supporting local businesses and creating more opportunities for regional growth.

Strengthening Tourism Operators’ Capabilities

To ensure that the funds are used effectively, the program requires applicants to contribute a cash amount equal to the grant requested. This condition fosters a sense of shared responsibility among local businesses and encourages them to invest in their capacity to meet the growing demand for tourism services.

The Spirit Preparedness Fund is a significant part of the broader $27.8 million Tourism and Hospitality Support Package. By focusing on practical initiatives and supporting the development of local businesses, the fund aims to provide immediate relief while also creating sustainable growth within the tourism sector. The allocation of these funds is an essential step in ensuring that Tasmania is fully prepared to benefit from the increase in tourism expected from the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels.

Expanding Tasmania’s Tourism Offering

With an increasing number of domestic travellers opting for road trips and outdoor adventures, the Spirit Preparedness Fund’s focus on the caravan and motorhome market is timely. Tasmania, with its pristine landscapes, national parks, and scenic coastlines, is a prime destination for self-drive holidays, and the state is positioning itself as the ultimate location for visitors looking for unique, immersive experiences.

The funding will also allow tourism operators to diversify their offerings, helping them develop unique, tailored experiences that appeal to a broad range of travellers. From eco-tours to cultural experiences, these new initiatives will help to showcase the many attractions Tasmania has to offer, beyond the traditional tourist spots.

Supporting Tasmania’s Broader Tourism Strategy

The Spirit of Tasmania vessels are expected to bring significant economic benefits to the state. By focusing on regional tourism and improving services for the caravan and motorhome market, Tasmania’s tourism industry is taking proactive steps to ensure that it can handle the increase in visitation. This funding will also complement broader tourism strategies, enhancing Tasmania’s position as a premier destination for both domestic and international travellers.

The state’s tourism industry has faced several challenges in recent years, particularly due to global travel disruptions. However, the launch of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels represents a fresh opportunity to showcase the state’s tourism offerings and boost its economy. Minister Howlett’s confidence in the funding’s ability to generate long-term benefits reflects the government’s commitment to building a sustainable and thriving tourism industry in Tasmania.

Conclusion

The Spirit Preparedness Fund is a crucial initiative designed to prepare Tasmania for the influx of visitors expected from the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels. With more than $4 million allocated to local businesses and councils, the funding will help improve tourism infrastructure, enhance the visitor experience, and encourage travellers to explore more of Tasmania’s regions. By supporting local tourism operators and diversifying the state’s tourism offerings, Tasmania is poised to become a leading destination for self-drive and outdoor holidays, attracting more visitors and ensuring sustainable growth for its tourism sector.