24 June 2014
Passenger numbers on Spirit of Tasmania increased by eight per cent in 2013/14 compared to the previous financial year.
Chief Executive Officer Charles Griplas said the number of people Spirit of Tasmania was bringing to Tasmania was increasing.
“Our forward bookings for the 2014/15 financial year are up by 11 per cent as at the same time last year,” he said. “This is an outstanding result for the company and the state.”
Mr Griplas said the company was continually offering campaign fares to encourage people to visit Tasmania, a tactic that was working well.
“For example, in April we offered $69 fares as a special ‘Red Hot’ deal for passengers wishing to travel without a vehicle,” he said.
“We also offered a $49 fare, valid for travel between May and September, which was introduced in late March and is a 50 per cent discount off our previously cheapest price for that period.
“And prior to that deal being released we had offered a deal specifically for families encouraging them to travel during the school holidays. The deal was called ‘Pocket Money Prices’ because children travelled for just $10.”
Mr Griplas said standard Spirit of Tasmania fares fluctuated depending on availability and demand.
The company is currently offering a $299 special for a Twin Cabin for two people and a car that represents a saving of $168.
Mr Griplas said it was also worth noting that 2013/14 Ocean Recliner and Twin Cabin fares were 15 per cent and 13 per cent lower in real terms when compared to 2009.
“And 2013/14 fares for two people and a standard vehicle or caravan are also lower in real terms when compared to 2009,” he said.
“Excluding the carbon surcharge ($3 for passengers and $6 per vehicle per leg) and the new Port of Melbourne Corporation licence fee, standard car fares are one per cent lower in real terms when compared to 2009.”
-ends-
Contact: Soniya Fernandez
Communications Manager
saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au