Spirit of Tasmania opens bookings to tourists from five states from October 26

Passengers from South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and the ACT can now book passage to Tasmania from October 26 2020.

TT-Line chief executive officer Bernard Dwyer said the easing of Tasmania's border restrictions announced last week was an important step forward for the recovery of the state.

"We're excited to invite bookings from passengers from those low risk states who may be looking to visit Tasmania for a much needed holiday or a long-awaited reunion with friends and family," he said.

"COVID-19 has been incredibly challenging for us, our passengers and for Tasmania - particularly those in the tourism and hospitality industry.

"We will be doing everything we can to encourage people to sail to Tasmania for their next road trip."

He said those who brought their own cars to the state would bring benefits to rural and regional areas.

"It's well known that people who travel with their own cars on Spirit of Tasmania tend to stay longer and spend more in regional areas than visitors who fly to Tasmania," he said.

"It is for this reason we believe that we have a crucial role to play in the economic recovery of the state."

For passage before October 26, TT-Line can only accept bookings from Tasmanian residents returning to Tasmania, essential travellers to Tasmania, freight operators, and passengers travelling to the mainland from Tasmania.

Mr Dwyer said the Spirit had a COVID-19 safety plan in place.

"The health and safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we have implemented a range of precautionary measures to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable journey on board." he said.

"In the current climate, passengers understandably want to know that they will be safe while travelling.

"Through Sail Safe we can provide extra reassurance to our passengers that our terminals and ships are COVID ready and our team is ready to welcome passengers back on board."

Head to www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/sailsafe