6 July 2010
The Chief Executive Officer of TT-Line has used the annual
Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania conference in Launceston to
dispel the myth that the company gives preferential treatment to
freight over passengers.
Charles Griplas told the conference that TT-Line had carried more
passengers in
2009/10 than it had the previous financial year.
"The company was criticised in media reports and newspaper
letters to the editor earlier this year when people could not book
travel on the Spirit of Tasmania vessels because they were booked
out," he said.
"We were particularly busy at that time of year because of Targa
Tasmania, Agfest and the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia
rally in Tasmania.
"People immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion that we were
carrying freight as a priority.
"As a general rule we are able to convert freight space to
passenger vehicle space but not vice versa because of the physical
limitations below deck, so the suggestion of a freight preference
over passengers is incorrect."
Mr Griplas said he was particularly pleased passenger numbers
had increased in
2009/10 compared to the previous financial year because of the
difficulties faced by the tourism industry over the past 12
months.
"The facts are that more Australians are holidaying overseas and
we are competing with other domestic destinations and cheap
airlines," he said.
"All the indications point to a similar challenging 12 months in
2010/11."
Mr Griplas said the company had prepared for a difficult 12
months.
"We are updating the look of our advertising, have introduced a
new loyalty program and are working to increase website visits," he
said.
"We will also be working closely with interstate media
organisations to bring more
journalists to Tasmania on Spirit."
Mr Griplas said the company was this year celebrating its 25th
year of operations under Tasmanian Government ownership.
"To celebrate we offered $25 fares for ocean recliner seats for
travel between June and August," he said.
"The tickets sold out in a week with more than 8500 people
booking travel on a Spirit of Tasmania vessel as part of the
campaign.
"It is just one example of a series of campaigns the company has
been running which has benefited the local tourism industry and the
broader Tasmanian economy.
"We have also worked to improve the on-board experience.
"The bars and restaurants have undergone name changes and we are
working to deliver virtually whatever experience our passengers are
seeking, be it a top end meal or a movie at the cinema."
-ends-
Released by:
Nicolas Turner
Tel: 6210 5206 or 0418 538 865
