Tuesday 30 October 2007

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT TO VALUE TASSIE HAWKS SPONSORSHIP
The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment said today the State Government had commissioned an independent report, evaluating the benefits of the Tassie Hawks sponsorship deal.

Ms Wriedt said the report would evaluate the range of benefits to Tasmania listed in the agreement.

“We have commissioned S-Comm Consulting to provide us with an independent analysis of our sponsorship deal with the Hawthorn Football Club,” Ms Wriedt said.

“S-Comm is a global network of the world’s leading sponsorship analysis specialists who provide intelligence to some of the world’s biggest sporting names.

“They will look at the two apsects of the sponsorship; the value of the national exposure of the Tasmanian brand, and also the direct economic impact of high-profile AFL games being played in Tasmania.

“Locally, we have seen evidence of a successful first year of the sponsorship, but it would be wrong of us to not seek an independent opinion of its value.

“Each of the five games that the Tassie Hawks played in Tasmania this year was embraced by footy fans travelling from across the state and also from interstate.

“Airlines put on extra flights to meet the demand and tourism operators in the Launceston area reported a massive boost over the weekends of the games.

“There are also the benefits of the Tasmanian brand receiving exposure on national television with the highly visible logo seen on the shirt and on-ground signage.

“This report will break down the overall benefits to Tasmania of a sponsorship deal that has been nationally regarded as a huge success.”

The report will cost approximately $45,000 and will be completed by the end of the year.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

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