Press Release

Sunday 9 December 2007

ROCKET MAN LANDS IN TASMANIA
Last night’s performance by international superstar Elton John in Launceston has stimulated both intrastate and interstate tourism in Tasmania.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment Paula Wriedt says the Elton John concert has raised the State’s profile as a travel destination and lifted Tasmania’s image with major event organisers.

“The concert was a drawcard to the city of Launceston, attracting locals and people from all across Tasmania, as well as encouraging Elton fans to fly into the State,” Ms Wriedt said.

The State Government through Tourism Tasmania has been supporting a range of promotional activities and travel packages around the concert, to lure special event visitors to the State.

Many Tasmanians registered their support for the concert earlier this year with almost 5,000 fans clicking through to the Elton John section of Tourism Tasmania’s website discovertasmania.com.

“Tasmanians have really shown their support and enthusiasm for international acts of the calibre of Elton John,” Ms Wriedt said.

Ms Wriedt said the concert highlighted the versatility of Aurora Stadium as an ideal venue for large sporting and entertainment events and the success of this event has prompted discussions for more big events in the State.

“The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens will host the 2008 Southern Roots Festival in March and I expect it too will draw another big crowd of Tasmanians and visitors to the State,” Ms Wriedt said.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

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