“We are showcasing the experiences that make Tasmania such a special place to visit, particularly for people looking to get behind the wheel and explore at their own pace.

Mr Jaensch said that that would mean more opportunities for tourism and hospitality businesses, particularly in the North West and West, as visitors travel further and stay longer.

“We are also continuing to work closely with industry and invest in the infrastructure needed to support the growing number of people choosing to explore Tasmania by caravan, motorhome and car,” he said. “Our Caravan and Motorhome Action Plan is delivering improved facilities and planning for future increased demand, alongside continued investment in national parks and other visitor infrastructure.”

The new ships will feature an onboard trip-planning tool, the Tasmania Concierge, designed to help passengers discover more of Tasmania.

Available via self-serve touch screens, the Tasmania Concierge will help passengers plan their self-drive itinerary, book directly with local tourism operators and send their finished itinerary straight to their phone before driving off the ship.

“Through our Off Season and Come Down For Air campaigns, we have been highlighting experiences we know will resonate with the self-drive market, ensuring there is strong demand for the ships as soon as they start sailing,” Mr Jaensch said.

The new Spirit of Tasmania ships are longer, wider and taller than their predecessors. The new ships will increase the annual passenger capacity on the Bass Strait route by almost 30%, the lane metres for passenger cars and freight by 60%, and the cabin capacity by approximately 35%, while the environmental impact of shipping will be significantly reduced.

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