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Tourism and Hospitality Support

Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme

The $50 million Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme is now open for applications.

The scheme is available to promote investment in tourism products and experiences that stimulate regional tourism and dispersal in Tasmania.

The interest rate is highly concessional for the first three years (currently 3.85%), with a commercial rate to apply for the remaining term of up to two years.

Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and projects are assessed against priorities of the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy – a strategy developed to provide a collective longer-term vision for Tasmania’s visitor economy – including stimulation of year-round visitation, authenticity, sustainability and accessibility.

The scheme will open for applications until 2pm, 30 June 2026 or until all funding has been utilised, whichever occurs first.

Key details of the Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme

  • Minimum loan amount $100,000, maximum loan amount $3 million.
  • Loan term up to 5 years.
  • Highly concessional interest rates apply for the first three years, with commercial rates to apply after year 3.
  • Principal repayments must commence no later than 1 year after the initial drawdown of the loan.
  • Loan security must include freehold security up to a maximum Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) of 80 per cent.
  • Loans must be repaid in full or fully refinanced at the end of the agreed loan term.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a loan under this scheme you must demonstrate:

  • That your project promotes growth in regional tourism in Tasmania and encourages regional dispersal outside Hobart CBD (generally projects more than 15kms from Hobart will be eligible).
  • That your project is a quality offering aligning with the Tasmanian brand, supported by market demand and a strong business case, supporting an ability to service the loan.
  • That key people within the business have the skills and experience necessary to manage the proposed operation.
  • That the proposed product or service will create jobs and how the business intends to attract and sustain the workforce it requires.
  • That project planning (for example plans, approvals, building quotes/contracts) is well progressed to support commencement of construction within 9 months of application (note - this program is open for two years and as such you are encouraged to apply once your project is well progressed).
  • How the planned expenditure will prioritise Tasmanian procurement of goods and services to the maximum extent possible.
  • A satisfactory ability to manage project contingencies and cost overruns.
  • That the loan sought from the Tasmanian Government under this scheme is required and that the project cannot be funded on commercial terms through normal banking channels.
  • That your project is supported by your Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO).

Your project will also be assessed against how it supports priorities of the government’s 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy including stimulation of year-round visitation, authenticity, sustainability and accessibility.

Ineligibility criteria also apply to this loan scheme – please check the Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme guidelines (PDF 683.6 KB) before applying.

How to apply

To apply for a loan:

  1. Read the Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme guidelines (PDF 683.6 KB) and consider the eligibility criteria.
  2. Discuss your lending requirements with your bank to determine if your bank can fund, or partly fund, the planned expenditure or project.
  3. Discuss your proposal with your financial or business advisors.
  4. Email the Department of State Growth on rtdls@stategrowth.tas.gov.au, in the first instance, to arrange a discussion of your proposal.
  5. To apply, State Growth will provide a link to SmartyGrants. SmartyGrants is an easy-to-use online loan and grant management system that can be accessed via mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

Application guidelines

Please read the Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme guidelines (PDF 683.6 KB) carefully to make sure your business is eligible before you apply.

Questions?

Please call Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026 or email rtdls@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

Loans are administered by the Department of State Growth on behalf of Tasmania Development and Resources (TDR). Learn more about TDR.