Spirit of Tasmania drives $21 million tourism windfall for Geelong region

ON THE first anniversary of Spirit of Tasmania’s arrival at GeelongPort, economic figures reveal a significant $21 million tourism boost to the Greater Geelong and Bellarine region.

Additionally, the ferry serivce’s arrival gas generated 750 jobs, spanning both tourism and freight sectors.

GeelongPort chief exectuive officer Brett Winter said visitor expenditure surpassed initial expectations.

“The uplift in visitor spend since Spirit of Tasmania’s move to Geelong is on track to exceed initial projections of $57.3 million by 2030.”

Since its relocation to Geelong one year ago, Spirit of Tasmania has completed 902 sailings between Geelong and Devonport, showcasing the company’s commitment to the region.

Acting CEO of Spirit of Tasmania John McGrath reported a record-breaking 450,012 passengers during the 2022-23 Financial Year.

“During the Financial Year, we transported more than 213,766 passenger vehicles and 106,578 TEUs [a measure of freight],” he said.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Tracy Carter pointed out the positive impact of the collaboration with Spirit of Tasmania on the local visitor economy.

“Mobility data shows that visitors who arrive via Spirit of Tasmania tend to stay longer in our region, venture further and spend more generously compared to the average,” she said.

“Over a 12-month period, overnight visitors spent approximately $2.3 million, while day trip passengers injected $18.7 million,” she said.

Lara MP Ella George celebrated the economic boost brought by Spirit of Tasmania to Geelong.

“Spirit of Tasmania’s move to Geelong has delivered outstanding results for the region, supporting more than 750 jobs and contributing millions to the local visitor economy in just one year,” she said.

“GeelongPort’s development of Spirit of Tasmania Quay is a great example of a local business rejuvenating a blank canvas in the north of Geelong into a world-class tourism precinct.”

Mr McGrath said he was excited about the future with two new larger vessels arriving in 2024 to replace the existing fleet.

“The increased number of passengers travelling in both directions presents a huge opportunity for the tourism industry here in Victoria and in Tasmania.”