Foo Fighters Concert Boosts Northern Tasmania Economy by $7M

The recent Foo Fighters concert in Tasmania significantly contributed to the region’s economy, injecting approximately $7 million. This event marked a historic milestone for Launceston Airport, which recorded its busiest day ever in its 95-year history.

Record Numbers at Launceston Airport

On January 23, the day before the sold-out concert, Launceston Airport experienced a surge of 6,880 passengers. This impressive turnout represents the ninth month in a row that the airport has achieved record growth. Minister Jo Palmer highlighted the substantial impact of this trend on local businesses.

Increased Flight Capacity

To accommodate the influx of concert-goers, airlines expanded their operations. Virgin Australia added an additional 1,700 seats over the weekend. Meanwhile, Qantas and Jetstar collectively provided nearly 3,000 extra seats.

Hospitality Sector Flourishes

In the aftermath of the concert announcement, hotels in Launceston experienced robust booking activity. Notably, the Mercure Hotel achieved a 96% occupancy rate for January. This figure represents their best performance in a decade.

• Over 70% of hotel guests traveled from interstate, including cities as far away as Darwin, Perth, and Fremantle.
• Restaurants and cafes were fully booked, leading some businesses to hire additional staff.
• Pubs opened on days they typically remain closed due to high demand.

Long-Term Economic Impact

The economic benefits of the Foo Fighters concert extend beyond that single weekend. Visitors arrived early and stayed longer to explore local vineyards and attractions. Clinton Pentland from the Mercure Hotel emphasized the long-lasting effects on tourism in the region.

Minister Palmer stated the concert is part of an exciting summer for Tasmania, which includes other sold-out events like Festivale. As Tasmania gains recognition as a tourist hotspot, local businesses and operators are poised to enjoy ongoing economic benefits.

Looking forward, the hospitality sector is eager for similar major events during the typically quieter shoulder seasons, which could help sustain growth year-round.