 |
 |
Press Release
NEW ECO-CRUISE FOR TASMAN PENINSULA
Wednesday 12 December 2007
Dramatic rocky coastlines, towering ancient sea-cliffs and an abundance of marine life are just some of the attractions of a new eco-cruise on the Tasman Peninsula.
The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, today launched Tasman Island Cruises, the newest venture from Bruny Island Charters owner Robert Pennicott.
The fully-guided eco-cruise takes in the spectacular coastline of the Tasman National Park, between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck.
“The magnificent scenery of Tasman Island and Cape Pillar, home to the highest sea-cliffs in the southern hemisphere, and the incredible array of wildlife makes this a truly unforgettable experience,” Ms Wriedt said.
“Consumer research tells us that visitors to Tasmania want experiences they can immerse themselves in; experiences that they will talk about for years to come.”
There are two tours on offer – a three-hour cruise departing from Port Arthur and a full-day tour from Hobart that includes a visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site.
“The tours offer a multi-faceted experience that builds on Tasmania’s strong maritime connections and fascinating convict heritage,” Ms Wriedt said.
“Partnerships like these between Tasman Island Cruises and the Port Arthur Historic Site demonstrate how Tasmania’s tourism industry can work cooperatively and innovatively to provide the ultimate visitor experience.”
Tasman Island Cruises and Bruny Island Charters have also formed a partnership with WILDCARE Inc to establish the Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund.
The fund provides support to the Parks and Wildlife Service in its work managing the national parks and marine reserves along Tasmania’s coastline.
A proportion of every ticket sold by Tasman Island Cruises and Bruny Island Charters will go towards the Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund to help conserve and protect the Tasmanian coastline.
Ms Wriedt said the latest joint Government and Industry framework for tourism, T21, shows that Tasmania has a real opportunity to show the world how best to balance people’s desire to travel with the need to protect and enhance our precious environment.
“The Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund is a wonderful example of how Tasmania’s tourism operators can provide sensitive and sustainable eco-tourism activities for visitors that allow them to connect with our wild environment,” Ms Wriedt said.
“Rob Pennicott’s enthusiasm for this State and his genuine appreciation and care for our natural environment is truly inspiring and an example to other eco-tourism experiences.”
For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's
Communications Unit
(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au