TT-Line Company Pty Ltd will launch a major marketing campaign to promote its new two ship service, Spirit of Tasmania I and II, in July 2002.

The launch of the campaign will benefit from the spring booking season which coincides with the commencement of the service on 1 September 2002.

TT-Line Chief Executive Mr Peter Simmons said the company had committed $5 million to its combined marketing, sales and public relations effort during the service�s first 12 months of operation.

�The campaign will incorporate television, print and radio advertising in Victoria and Tasmania and an e commerce strategy which includes advertising and promotion on the Internet,� he said.

�The company will also promote the service at consumer and trade shows and through its network of travel agents Australia-wide.

�In addition, travel agents and our tourist industry partners will be kept well informed about the vessels and their features as information is finalised via a regular newsletter.

Mr Simmons said when the vessels arrived in Australia, tourism industry functions would be held onboard in both Tasmania and Melbourne.

�Vessel open days for the general public which will raise money for worthwhile charities are also being planned,� he said.

Mr Simmons said the new year round two ship sailing schedule would provide people planning a holiday to Tasmania with even greater flexibility and should encourage more people to visit the State by sea.

�The introduction of the new, more efficient service will provide a significant boost to the Tasmanian economy, providing enormous potential for growth in the tourism industry and related business sectors,� he said.

Furthermore TT-Line will work with Tourism Tasmania to implement a joint co-operative advertising campaign.

-2-

�The new service is expected to trigger a renewed interest in sea travel and Tasmania resulting in an approximately 100,000 passengers in the first year.

�It is estimated that this increase in visitor numbers will generate an additional $41.4 million in visitor spending per annum, increasing the contribution from TT-Line to Tasmania�s annual tourism spend to $173.3 million.�

Ends

For further information please contact: Ms Simone Ferrier TT-Line Company Manager Corporate Communications Telephone 03 9206 6220 / 0417 540 583