Grant and Incentive Program Growing Tasmanian Events

2 July 2009

A total of 114 events to be held in Tasmania during 2010 have successfully applied for funding support from the Events Tasmania Grant and Incentive Program.

In announcing the funding today, the Minister for Tourism and Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, highlighted the important contribution of events to Tasmania’s tourism industry.

“Events play an important role in attracting interstate and international visitors and revenue into the state,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“At a local level they generate productivity, excitement and passion in people, invigorate communities and stimulate business.”

Events supported by the 2010 Grant and Incentive Program are expected to bring approximately 27,000 event participants, supporters and visitors to the State staying on average 5 nights, and returning an estimated economic benefit to Tasmania of $36 million.

From the National Inflatable Rescue Boat Championships to the Mah Jong Festival the events vary in size and nature and will be staged in all regions throughout spreading the economic, social and cultural benefits.

Ms O’Byrne said the Tasmanian Government plans to invest $300,000 in the Events Tasmania 2010 Grants and Incentive Program for 2010.

“The Program supports many of Tasmania’s home-grown events and also motivates a wide range of national bodies and organisations to select Tasmania as the destination to host their next event.”

Activities include road touring events, music festivals, golf, motor sport, chess, dance, frisbee golf, sailing, and distance running events.

Larger events supported by the Program such as MSFest, Falls Festival, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, National Inflatable Recue Boat Championships, Australia & New Zealand Police and Emergency Services Games, Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia 24th Anniversary Rally, TARGA Tasmania, and the Australian Croatian Soccer Federation Tournament will attract thousands of interstate and international visitors to the state.

In total, 45 national championships are also being supported by the Grant and Incentive Program, which are aiming to attract over 18,000 visiting participants worth an estimated $23 million to the state. Sailing, motorsport, golf and athletics are the most popular national championship events coming to the state.

The 2010 program also assists a diverse range of events to be staged in Tasmania including the National Penny Farthing Championship, A Taste of the Huon festival, Estia Greek Festival, Tasmanian Dancesport Championships, Poatina Great Wheelbarrow Race, and the Mah Jong Festival.

“The Events Tasmania Grant and Incentive Program reinforces the State’s tourism strategy by promoting the spectacular natural environment, healthy lifestyle, cultural heritage and celebrated food and produce,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“The events attracted to the State through the 2010 Grant and Incentive Program play an important role in positioning Tasmania as a premium event destination and complements the State’s broader destination marketing program.”

A list of all the successful grant recipients and further information about can be found on the Events Tasmania website www.eventstasmania.com.

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