Spirit of Tasmania today announced new competitive fares on its Sydney-Tasmania service with the company opening sailings to December 2005.

The change to the Sydney fare structure, effective 26 January this month, is a result of extensive consumer research.

“The market place has changed dramatically in the last year, with a key factor being more competitive air pricing, to which we need to respond,” said Peter Simmons, Chief Executive for the company in Devonport today.

“We have created attractive fares to be more competitive in the Sydney market, which we expect will further grow the service and increase visitors to Tasmania.

“With the new fare structure, it can be shown travelling on Spirit of Tasmania III with a car is less expensive than flying and hiring a car. This makes the experience of cruising by sea to Tasmania an even more attractive proposition for potential passengers,” said Mr Simmons.

Since commencing service on 13 January 2004, Spirit of Tasmania III has carried over 66,000 passengers, 30,000 passenger vehicles and 4,500 freight units.

“We believe these competitive new fares will prove popular in the New South Wales marketplace and we look forward to the challenge of building on our current passenger base,” said Mr Simmons.

“As of 26 January 2005, passengers will enjoy significant savings. Fares will start from $180 one-way and an inside twin cabin will start at $300 per person twin-share.

“This represents a $165 saving from a full fare. Fares will still include a gourmet dinner and brunch. This means a couple travelling with their standard car will save a total of $570 on the return fare,” he said.

The company has also further reduced fares for pensioners and senior card holders to make their travel costs even more affordable.

“Standard passenger vehicles will be $55 one-way all year round, which is great added value for passengers compared with hire cost charges,” said Mr Simmons.

To communicate the value of cruising from Sydney to Devonport with Spirit of Tasmania, the company will release a new marketing campaign promoting the initiative from tomorrow.

Mr Simmons said the new sailing schedule had been finalised with the bi-annual maintenance for Spirit of Tasmania III (dry dock) confirmed for July/August 2005, and bookings were now open until December 2005.

Good news for passengers already booked on the Sydney service from 26 January 2005 onwards - they will automatically have the new cheaper fares applied to their booking. A Spirit of Tasmania consultant or travel agent will be contacting these customers from today.

For bookings and enquiries, contact Spirit of Tasmania on 13 20 10.

Website: www.spiritoftasmania.com.au