Tasmanians Urged to Holiday at Home

20 October 2009

Tasmanians are being urged to win the work/life battle and support their local tourism industry by holidaying at home.

Launching the Launceston Chamber of Commerce’s No Leave, No Life initiative, the Minister for Tourism and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, commended the Chamber’s participation in the national campaign that supports the business and personal health of employers, employees and industry.

“Australian employees have built up a 123 million days and $33.3 billion in accrued annual leave, with one in four Australian full-time employees accruing over 25 days of annual leave,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“Tasmanian employees have currently stockpiled more than 2.5 million days of leave with an accompanying price tag of $600 million.

“It is widely documented this stockpiled leave affects the health of those employees who choose to stay at work rather than taking a well-earned break. It can also affect the performance and morale of the companies they work for,” she said.

Reducing this stockpile by encouraging locals to holiday at home presents an invaluable opportunity for our local tourism industry.

“Tasmania has a wonderful depth of experiences to offer interstate and overseas visitors, as well as locals.

“This has become evident in recent years, with our world-class experiences and innovative tourism marketing campaigns continuing to deliver record numbers of visitors to our State.”

Ms O’Byrne said the State Government was working hard to encourage Tasmanians to support their local tourism industry by holidaying at home.

“The production of a second series of the immensely popular Discover Tasmania television program, as well as the publication of Tasmania’s five Zone Holiday Planners, has provided Tasmanians with a wealth of information about the adventures and experiences that can be enjoyed at home.”

Ms O’Byrne said working cooperatively with business and industry is the key to achieving success.

“As part of this local campaign, the Launceston Chamber of Commerce will be working with the Launceston and Tamar Valley Tourism Association to support local employers and employees with their leave and holiday options in the region.

“This partnership has many benefits – it has great potential to build local productivity and morale, as well as business and individual wellbeing on a number of levels,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Further information: Rohan Wade (03) 6336 2443 or 0417 051 255