By Andy Young
Tasmania already has a whisky and a cider trail and this week the Tasmanian government officially launched its Tasmanian Beer Tourism Plan, featuring the Beer Trail.
Premier Will Hodgman announced on Thursday that the State Government is investing $250,000 in the plan, and the Brewers Association is adding a further $100,000, which will be aimed at promoting and growing the industry.
The Premier also launched the beer trail website, which he described as "an extensive guide to local breweries, tours, tastings, festivals, events and sales".
In a statement Hodgman added: "This will capitalise on the emerging tourism niche, which attracted more than 125,000 travellers in the year to March according to the latest Tasmanian Visitor Survey.
"It will also further build the profile of our established breweries like Cascade and Boags, while shining a spotlight on our many craft and micro brewers across the state.
"The Tasmanian Beer Trail complements the existing Whisky and Cider Trails that have underpinned their rapidly growing appeal as tourist destinations, offering estate tours, history and heritage presentations and of course tastings and food.
"The Beer Trail will be promoted by a targeted advertising campaign at key tourist gateways, and through the Brewers Association and Craft Brewing Industry, ahead of the major events season.
"That season starts in spring with Micro Brew Fest, followed by Beer Lovers Week and the world-class Tasmanian International Beerfest in Hobart and Launceston’s Esk Beerfest next year."
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