Bass Strait Visitor Access Study

The TICT is proud to have facilitated what we believe will be seen historically as a major contribution to the long-term economic wellbeing of Tasmania.

For many decades problems with air and sea access were a major constraint to growth of the tourism industry and the Tasmanian economy. A shortage of seat capacity on aircraft and of passenger and vehicle berths on the single ferry meant Tasmania simply was not able to meet visitor demand. Until the Bass Strait Visitor Access Study (BSVAS) Governments did not have sufficient credible data on which to base decisions to spend the money required to improve services.

The TICT secured funding from the Commonwealth Department for Industry Science and Resources and the support of Tourism Tasmania and other Tasmanian industry organisations to engage interstate consultants to carry out an independent study.

The research demonstrated there was an unsatisfied demand for visitor travel across Bass Strait and that 80% of travellers wanted to travel with their car. The Study recommended two over-riding priorities for Tasmania - firstly to move quickly to provide additional sea passenger transport capacity; and secondly, to develop and maintain genuine sustainable competition in Bass Strait airline services.

Both these objectives have now been achieved through the State Government's purchase of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries and the introduction of regular Virgin Blue, Regional Express and, more recently, Jetstar services to Tasmania to complement the services provided by Qantas.

Go Back | Achievements Home