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30 October 2008

Touring Groups Flock to Tasmania

Twenty-eight individual touring groups have been encouraged to hold their event in Tasmania next year through the State Government’s Touring Event Grants Program, the Minister for Tourism Michelle O’Byrne announced today.

“The touring grant program is designed to entice motorcycle clubs, cycling touring groups and other touring clubs to host their event in Tasmania, and has attracted 30 touring events in 2009,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“The grant program, worth $52,000 is expected to deliver more than $7 million to local communities in Tasmania, with the 30 events bringing more than 4000 participants who will stay here for an average of nine nights.

“They include a range of bicycle touring events around Tasmania, including King Island.

“These tours are being run by organisations like the Victoria Police Cycling Club, Island Cycle Tours, the Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club, and the Coburg Cycling Club.

“There is also an eight day cycling challenge around Tasmania called the Chain Reaction Challenge 2009, which has been developed for senior executives with a passion for cycling.

“In addition to a range of bicycle touring events, a number of motorcycle touring events are also being assisted by the grant program.

“These include a seven day BMW motorcycle touring event, the national Harley Owners Group rally, and the 2009 OZ GP tour, which is the official tour to the 2009 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

“In 2009, Tasmania will also play host to the Corner for Kids Motorcycle Rally – an eight day charity ride for NSW motorcyclists who work in the Financial Services industry. 

Ms O’Byrne said various motoring clubs have also chosen Tasmania for their veteran, vintage, post vintage and classic car touring rallies.

These include:

·        The Triumph Sports Owners Association,
·        The Porsche Club of Victoria,
·        The Mazda MX-5 Club of Victoria,
·        The Sunbeam Car Club of Victoria,
·        The 40th National Jaguar Rally, 
·        The Mercedes Benz Club of Victoria,
·        The national Zephyr, Zodiac and Consul Owners Club,
·        The national Vintage Motor Club,
·        Chrysler Restorers Club of Australia, and
·        A number of MG Car Clubs


 “Events like these play an important role in positioning Tasmania as an ideal touring destination, and as the majority of these groups will tour the state during their stay, participants will also become great advocates for Tasmania when they return home,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“This grants program has been very successful in attracting a variety of high yield groups to our state.
“Last week, Tasmania hosted the Groupe Auto Classiche Quattro Tasmania Mk2 - an eight day tour for classic cars including BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, Jaguars and Daimlers.

“During the eight days, around 31 motoring enthusiasts toured, cruised, wined and dined their way around our State, so it is evident that touring events like these make a significant economic contribution to local communities in Tasmania.

“Events like these are an important part of the State Government’s plan to encourage a range of quality, brand-aligned tourist experiences that attract visitors to Tasmania.

“Touring events entice motoring and cycling enthusiasts to come and experience Tasmania all-year round while also getting the message out that Tasmania is one of the Australia’s greatest touring holiday destinations,” Ms O’Byrne said.