Launceston targets 400 new hotel rooms to unlock events growth
A new report recommends adding 400 to 500 hotel rooms as the city targets events industry growth.
Launceston's hotels filled every room seven weeks before the Foo Fighters played in January, and room shortage is blocking the city's biggest events plans. A new 83-page report released today recommends five key moves: create a CBD events precinct like Parramatta's, build a dedicated business events venue, convert underused spaces including the Symmons Plains Raceway and a city car park, and add accommodation urgently.
Four hotels are approved to build, plus Quest apartments near City Park, totalling 400 to 500 extra rooms by late 2027. The Fragrance Hotel opens early 2028 with 179 rooms.
Without them, Launceston cannot host the scale of events Northern Tasmania's economic plan depends on.
- 1500 to 1600
- Existing rooms
- 400 to 500
- Target new rooms
- 179
- Fragrance Hotel rooms
- $250,000 state grant
- Report cost
Why it mattersLaunceston competes nationally for major festivals and conferences; more rooms unlock bigger events and more visitor spending for local businesses.
AustraliaIf the accommodation pipeline completes on time, Launceston could attract larger sporting and cultural events, boosting employment and tourism revenue across Northern Tasmania.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 6 d ago
