Greater Geelong tourism operators were given first-hand insights from Spirit of Tasmania Bernard Dwyer at a sold-out luncheon ahead of the first ship’s arrival into Geelong on October 23.
The lunch, at Novotel Geelong, was hosted by Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (TGGB), with 180 members and stakeholders attending and an additional 50 online.
Mr Dwyer said the company was looking forward to moving to Geelong from Station Pier.
“The move provides Spirit of Tasmania with a unique opportunity to enhance the passenger experience and provide room to expand its freight business in line with demand for many years to come,” he said.
“When you consider this alongside the investment we are making in two new larger vessels, we are not only securing the future of the company but Tasmania’s visitor economy and the broader economy.
“The new port is expected to lead to increased passenger growth from markets in South Australia, NSW and Queensland, as well as increased passenger growth from regional Victoria.”
Mr Dwyer said the company would maintain its “last to leave, first to arrive” freight service.
Following in-depth interviews and focus groups with travellers from Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, the report uncovered a range of opportunities and passenger behaviours, including:
• Experienced and potential travellers have positively received the Spirit of Tasmania’s transition to a regional location;
• Both metro and regional Victorians are open to spending several hours in Geelong before boarding; and
• Many Tasmanians would use Geelong as a base to explore the region before travelling on to the Great Ocean Road.
