Australian night-time economy report spotlights Hobart’s strong performance

While the arts, entertainment and hospitality sectors were heavily impacted during the past two years, the report ‘Measuring the Australian Night Time Economy 2020-21’ shows the industry is bouncing back with the City of Hobart’s night-time economy revealed to be a key economic strength.

Hobart’s businesses continue to emerge from the impacts of COVID and adapt to changes in consumer demand.

The report, a project for the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (released Wednesday, 21st September), is the annual analysis to measure the size of the Australia’s Night Time economy including Hobart’s.

According to the report, while all states and territories have seen an increase in employment, establishments and turnover, Hobart had the highest percentage growth in entertainment establishments (12%t) of all 14 cities examined, almost double the national average (7%). This equated to an additional 15 businesses bringing the total to 141.

Tasmania’s strong growth (+25%) in core NTE employment means jobs in the sector has increased by 13% since 2018-19 state-wide, but Hobart has outperformed this growth with a 19.7% rise thanks to strong growth in food and drink businesses.

Since 2009 Hobart’s NTE establishments have grown from 452 to 616 in 2021, a 36% increase, while overall the sector’s turnover has jumped from $551million to $780million, a rise of 42% over this period.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said while the figures were encouraging, the Council understood it was still a challenging environment for the sector.

Lord Mayor Reynolds advises “Council’s own more recent data tells us that the annual night time spend is increasing with a total local average spend from our residents and visitors in 2019 of just under $17 million growing to over $24 million in July 2022.

“From this report, we know Hobart’s night time economy is heading in the right direction but we acknowledge what the sector has endured and that there is still more to be done.” 

The City also provides grant programs aimed at supporting businesses participating in the night time economy and through dedicated projects like those to expand outdoor dining in the city.

The City of Hobart will continue to support business and is currently developing new strategies, in collaboration with the sector, to help attract more people to the city and strengthen the sector further.

Images. Credit: ‘Measuring the Australian Night Time Economy 2020-21'