Industry Welcomes ALP Tourism Announcements

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) welcomed today’s election announcement by the Premier, Hon Annastacia Palaczszuk, of tourism initiatives under her future government.  The Premier made the announcements today at the Sunshine Coast.  

QTIC Chief Executive, Daniel Gschwind said, “Tourism operators and employees are watching eagerly to see how the major parties propose to work with the tourism industry to unlock its potential to drive Queensland’s economic recovery. 

“The investment measures announced today are a welcomed indication that tourism, a front-line casualty of COVID-19, is in not forgotten as policies are mapped out.  The $74 million promised investment goes some way towards meeting the industry’s priorities for the next term”. 

QTIC presented a full set of policy and funding priorities to all election candidates, including recommendations for regulatory reforms and public infrastructure investments.  On the list is an expectation to see the tourism portfolio allocated to a senior cabinet Minister and additional support to re-build aviation access in Queensland. 

“Funding allocations for visitor attractions, a Tourism Activation Fund and additional resources for Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) were all on our list and we are pleased to see these commitments.  We look forward to further announcements, including from the LNP, about the other policy measures that will allow tourism operators to re-boot the enormous capacity that tourism has to deliver jobs, regional growth and sustainable development for our state. 

“Additional investments in tourism generates rich returns for all Queenslanders across all regions and communities. 

“When that tourism dollar stops, entire communities suffer. 

“Needless to say, we are also looking for the next government to provide clear steps towards a timely re-opening of borders that allows for an effective continuation of our great health record and also a return to business with some certainty,” Mr Gschwind said.