Tasmanian Devils tempt North American tourists
The number of Americans going to Australia declined five percent last year so why are more of them going to Tasmania?
Tasmania, Australia's only island state, reported a year-on-year growth of 19 percent in visitor arrivals from the North America market, according to the newly released International Visitor Survey (IVS).
“The recent announcement of Virgin Australia and Delta airlines codeshare agreement equates to even easier connections between North America and Tasmania,” says a news release.
From November 2011, flights operated by V Australia will arrive and depart at Delta's Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport. “This will allow for faster Delta connections within the same terminal, as well as access to the Terminal's new customs and immigration facilities,” says the release.
Why Tasmania? Growing awareness, perhaps.
“From the new Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) to Down Under's newest five-star eco-lodge, Saffire Freycinet, additional developments that continue to pique the North American traveler's interest,” the release says.
Group tours have been particularly popular for American visitors. Here are some highlights of visiting Tasmania:
- Premier Travel Tasmania has launched a new four-day 'Icons of Tasmania' small group tour, incorporating the island's pristine coastal and inland wilderness, unique wildlife and heritage-list convict sites. Prices start at US $1,665 which includes four full days of touring, three nights' accommodation at Lenna of Hobart, admission to all attractions and activities, national park fees as well as most meals.
- The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, which has taken a leading role in the conservation and breeding of the world's largest surviving carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian Devil. “This animal now faces extinction owing to the Tasmania Devil Facial Tumor Disease (TDFTD) which has destroyed an estimated 90 percent of wild populations,” according to tourism officials.
- Tasmania's first and only canyoning company will begin operations in December 2011, and is hosting two trips every day through early April 2012. The canyoning takes place within Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park with two expedition options that include either hard or soft adventure.
- New VertigoMTB offers cyclists a range of mountain and cross-country adventures throughout Tasmania with one-day and multi-day trips taking in diverse terrain and technical biking challenges. Visitors can cycle through the state's spectacular and ancient World Heritage Wilderness. Tours start from US$430 per day or US$1,290 for three days.
By David Wilkening
David
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