The tourism industry has welcomed the announcement by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for the first stage of the state’s economic reset, Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs. The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has been advocating strongly for further support for the tourism industry and has said today’s announcement will bring welcome relief for tourism operators under dire circumstances. QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said, “The tourism industry must be and will be a vital component of Queensland’s economic recovery. The $50 million tourism package announced to support tourism businesses, as well as the $100 million grant program made available for small businesses will inject some hope”. The Economic Recovery Strategy focusses on supporting jobs. With the tourism industry employing more than 230, 000 Queenslanders and contributing $27 billion to Queensland’s economy, it is essential that businesses get the necessary backing to bounce back from COVID-19. “We are pleased that the government has recognised in its $50 million tourism package that animal attractions, zoos and theme parks need special support. With restrictions of customer numbers unlikely to allow them to open any time soon these essential tourism experiences need to be kept going. “The other part of the available funding will allow operators to put new tourism experiences in place to take advantage of the expected surge in domestic tourism, as restrictions are lifted.” Mr Gschwind continued, “The Queensland Government's financial support is essential for now but the only viable, long-term strategy is for businesses to be able to get back to business and generate income for communities and safeguard jobs. “The first step will be entering the domestic market with consumers eager to make up for lost holidays, including the 5 million Australians who would normally holiday overseas. Now is the time to encourage people to explore the many different experiences and destinations that Queensland has to offer. “We look forward to continuing to work with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for Tourism Kate Jones to deliver the outcomes our industry needs and ready the industry to provide COVID-safe environments for both customers and staff”. $100 million in small business grants and training to combat COVID-19 Queensland tourism boost to Unite and Recover from COVID-19 Comprehensive strategy to unite and recover for Queensland jobs
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The tourism industry welcomed today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and the Queensland Premier, mapping out the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said this clarity is what the industry had desperately sought from governments.
Very slowly the gloomy, relentless disaster media coverage seems to be interspersed with signs of hope. Over the last few days, tourism has emerged a topic associated with the process of recovery both in national and state government statements. As vital as all the immediate government support measures are for each tourism operator, and QTIC fought very hard for that support, the only thing that will sustain the industry in the long-run is a return to business.
We are working closely with government to encourage and facilitate a timely re-opening of tourism and hospitality. We are in daily contact with the Tourism Minister, Kate Jones and also the Premier’s Office to identify the most important steps to bring about the best possible outcome for the community that depends so much on tourism.
The Indigenous Working Group responsible for guiding the implementation of the First Nations Tourism Plan is maintaining the momentum to create a stronger Indigenous tourism future. Cameron Costello, QTIC Deputy Chair and CEO of QYAC, chairs this group and is keen to progress this much-anticipated work even during the COVID-19 crisis.
“It is now even more important than before to build a better path for Indigenous aspirations in tourism to be made a reality. Queensland has an enormous opportunity to tap into the skills, knowledge and culture of Indigenous Queenslanders,” Mr Costello said.
“This crisis will bring more focus on what we have to offer locally, on what is important to our visitors and what brings us together as people.”
“The Plan developed by Indigenous stakeholders over the last year is the prompt for real action and real progress.”
Despite all the uncertainty surrounding these times, we want to assure you that we are moving forward with our Indigenous projects. Recently our First Nations Tourism Plan Working Group was established to guide the implementation of the action plan. This group has now met 3 times over Microsoft Teams and is making good progress with each meeting. One outcome from the meetings was to develop a survey that would help inform State and Federal governments on how best to help further support Indigenous tourism during this time and throughout the recovery. The survey was distributed to our Indigenous networks and received good responses. Thank you to all that participated.
The announcement by the Federal Government to provide $165 million backing for Qantas and Virgin to provide additional domestic air services was welcomed by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) as an important show of support.
QTIC Chief Executive, Daniel Gschwind said the Federal Government’s investment in essential air services would give much needed hope to businesses, including for the tourism industry.
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