Friday 14 September 2007

$10 MILLION INVESTMENT IN TASMAN PENINSULA TOURISM
The Premier has today turned the first sod on a $10 million tourism redevelopment on the Tasman Peninsula.
Mr Lennon said the three-year upgrade of the popular Lufra Hotel at Eaglehawk Neck would enhance visitor facilities on the Peninsula and complement other attractions in the area.

The redevelopment will add a further 29 hotel accommodation units and see the existing hotel expanded to include a five-star restaurant able to cater for weddings and other functions.

“This project demonstrates the strong investor confidence in the future of Tasmanian tourism and in the Tasman Peninsula in particular,” Mr Lennon said.

“It will cater for people at the high end of the market seeking short-stay breaks to this special region.

“The redevelopment is compatible with the Tasman Tourism Development Strategy and fits in well with other tourism attractions in the area, such as the Port Arthur Historic Site and the iconic Three Capes Track.

“To share these sights with people from around the world, it is necessary to provide world-class accommodation facilities to attract tourists here.

“That is what this redevelopment of the Lufra Hotel will provide.”

Reg Ansett built the current Lufra Hotel structure in 1948, describing it as the hotel with the best view in the world.
However, the site has included an accommodation property for more than 150 years.

“I know that the Tasman Tourism Development Strategy has high hopes for the Pirates Bay area, something to which I’m sure the redeveloped Lufra Hotel will contribute,” the Premier said.

“Since we came to Government in 1998, we have seen the number of tourists coming to Tasmania rise from 500,000 to well over 800,000.

“That is the result of positive government initiatives - like the purchase of the two Spirits to sail across Bass Strait – and also the result of strong investment by private tourist operators.

“The tourism industry is thriving because government and industry have worked together in a strong partnership and today is just one demonstration of the result.

“The latest Tasmanian Visitor Survey results confirm that more tourists are coming and that they are staying more nights.

“The redeveloped Lufra hotel will be one more reason for visitors to stay a little longer.”

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au