Launceston Airport scoops Gold at the 2018 Tasmanian Tourism Awards

The accolade for the Specialised Tourism Services category was presented at a spectacular awards evening attended by more than 600 state tourism operators and industry leaders from across the state, opened by Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman.

Tasmanian Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Luke Martin congratulated Launceston for its ability to create a strong sense of place throughout the airport and for acting as a true brand ambassador for the state.

Launceston Airport General Manager Paul Hodgen said he was thrilled that Launceston Airport was recognised among the many creative and passionate Tasmanian operators and attractions celebrating excellence in what the Premier described as Australia’s strongest and fastest performing tourism industry.

“As the tourism gateway to Northern Tasmania we are very proud to have once again received this recognition from the industry,” said Mr Hodgen.

“We are focused on promoting our beautiful region and city from offering travellers local retail and produce, to showcasing our iconic tourism attractions through digital marketing and in-terminal activations year-round.

“We have fantastic airport staff, airline partners and a strong airport community and I’d like to thank them all for their support and contribution. I would also like to thank our travellers who create a buzz of activity at the airport each day.

“Now we are particularly looking forward to welcoming the brightest and best Australian tourism industry leaders through our airport doors en route to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will take place at Cataract Gorge (Launceston) in March 2019.”

Footnotes: In the 2017/18 Financial Year Launceston Airport welcomed 1.36 million travellers and since 2014 Launceston Airport has won four Tasmanian Tourism Awards and a Silver Australian Tourism Award.

The latest International Visitor Survey report from Tourism Research Australia indicates the number of international visitors to Tasmania increased by 21 percent to 307,000 for the FY17/18 year, with growth in percentage terms outstripping the rest of the nation, demonstrating Tasmania’s popularity on the world stage. International visitor spending in Tasmania also increased by 21 percent to $552 million, equating to more than $1,000 per Tasmanian resident. International visitors and spend by state, year ending June 2018.