Sailing to Tasmania proves popular with travellers

Booking numbers on board the Spirit of Tasmania vessels are steadily increasing as state border travel restrictions continue to ease.

While passenger numbers are not at pre-COVID-19 lockdown levels, Spirit of Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Bernard Dwyer said the initial indications showed that people were keen to travel again which was positive for the Company and for Tasmania.

As at today (6 November), passengers from New South Wales can join people from South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and the ACT who are free to travel to Tasmania without the need to quarantine on arrival.

The easing of border restrictions for other states including New South Wales and Queensland also means that travellers transiting back through Victoria no longer have to quarantine upon returning to their home state after a trip to Tasmania.

Tasmanian travellers can now also transit directly through Victoria to New South Wales and Queensland without the need to quarantine at their destination.

Mr Dwyer said barriers that may have prevented people from committing to travel to Tasmania on the vessels were gradually being removed.

“The easing of restrictions provides more certainty for everyone,” he said.

“It is also positive to see that people, particularly regular travellers from Queensland and New South Wales, have the confidence to travel again. Passengers who had previously cancelled their bookings are rebooking.

“We are noticing that more travellers are looking for safer ways to travel and are opting to sail because they can pack up their car and simply drive on board avoiding a crowded terminal that you may encounter when flying.”

“Our passengers are responding well to the safety measures we have in place on board and more and more people are realising that sailing to Tasmania is a stress-free and safe alternative.”

Mr Dwyer said the main priority was to continue to keep passengers and crew safe when travelling on board, while maintaining the Company’s high level of service.

“We’re excited to have passengers enjoying the on board facilities again,” he said.

Travellers should continue to monitor the latest situation at all times prior to travel. For more information about border restrictions, please visit: healthdirect.gov.au/covid19-restriction-checker/domestic-travel