31 August 2007
Five years ago Spirit of Tasmania
I and II sailed from Greece to Australia and began service as
one of Australia's great passenger and passenger vehicle transport
providers with nightly sailings between Devonport and
Melbourne.
Peter Simmons, Chief Executive Officer,
Spirit of Tasmania said the introduction of the ships
sparked a renewed interest in sea travel and in turn played an
integral role in increasing tourist numbers to Tasmania.
"In the first full financial year of
operations the ships carried approximately 100,000 more people to
Tasmania compared to the previous financial year," he said.
"The vessels also provided a vital link
between Tasmanian businesses and the mainland. With a daily freight
service enabling businesses to boost interstate trade opportunities
and increase revenue.
"It is estimated that passengers who
arrived in Tasmania onboard either ship over the five year period
spent $1,798 million in the state (based on average spend per
visitor estimates)."
Likewise, annually the Spirits have
created so many opportunities for Tasmanian businesses and
residents.
"The twin ships have injected tens of
millions of dollars into the Tasmanian economy via expenditure in
food, wine, product, engineering works, laundry and port fees,"
said Mr Simmons.
"They have also provided an
unparalleled service for holiday makers who enjoy travelling with
their own car, caravan, boat or pets.
"TT-Line is now looking to the future
and new ways to improve the onboard facilities and further exceed
customer expectations," he said.
"Work is currently underway on both
vessels to extend capacity by 60 passenger vehicles per sailing and
is due for completion by the end of 2007. It will add capacity for
an additional 40,000 passengers between the peak Christmas and
Easter periods."
TT-Line would like to thank the
Tasmanian Government, businesses, residents and staff for
supporting Spirit I and II.
MEDIA
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Several birthday
celebrations will be held in Tasmania to thank TT-Line staff,
travel industry providers, Tasmanian Government, businesses and
residents for their invaluable support.
Hobart
Function: TT-Line Cocktail
Party
When: Monday 3
September 2007
Time: 6.00pm
- 8.00pm
Where: Catch Restaurant,
11 Morrison Street, Hobart
Who:
TT-Line Board of Directors, The Minister for Infrastructure, Jim
Cox (speech)
and local tourism industry.
Formalities: 6.30pm The Minister for
Infrastructure Jim Cox MHA will address invitees.
6.40pm The Minister and TT-Line Chairman Denis Rogers AO
will cut the twin
ships cake.
6.45pm TT-Line Chairman to thank
Minister and introduce DVD highlighting
sales and marketing successes over the past financial year.
6.50pm Formalities conclude.
Launceston
Function: Tamar River
Cruise
When Tuesday 4
September 2007
Time:
5.45pm arrival for 6.00pm departure and 8.00pm
arrival
Where: Tamar River Cruises
aboard the Tamar Odyssey, end of Home Point Parade,
Home Point, Cruise Terminal, Launceston.
Who: Local
tourism industry and TT-Line sales staff
Devonport
Function: Drinks &
Nibbles
When: Wednesday 5
September 2007
Time:
4pm -
6pm
Where: Telephone Sales
Area, Second Floor, Spirit of Tasmania Terminal,
East
Devonport
Who:
TT-Line Management, Mr Brenton Best MHA, Mr Bryan Green MHA
and
TT-Line staff.
-ends-
Released by:
Carolyn Neill
Corporate Communications Coordinator
cjn@spiritoftasmania.com.au
