Happy 5th Birthday Spirit Twins!
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
Tel: 03 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898
