Extra $2 million brings Queensland Tourism rescue package to $12 Million

The Queensland tourism industry will receive an additional $2 million in post-flood and cyclone tourism funding bringing the joint Federal and State recovery package to a total of $12 million.

Federal Tourism Minister, Martin Ferguson, and Queensland Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business, Jan Jarratt, said the additional $2 million package followed the joint $10 million post-flood marketing fund announced on 28th January.

Minister Ferguson said the Gillard and Bligh Governments had both committed an additional $1 million to help tourism operators boost their businesses through a road show to promote Queensland, access to interstate and international trade shows, technology workshops, trade advisory support and other initiatives.

He stated "there's no doubt the floods and Cyclone Yasi have presented back-to-back challenges for Queensland tourism businesses.

"Australia and the world need to know that Queensland's tourism industry is strong and open for business.

"The rapid, practical, state-wide measures to be rolled out under this $2 million initiative will help the industry connect with customers and reinforce that message.

"We want to strengthen Queensland tourism businesses and help them promote themselves - and the entire state as a prime tourism destination."

Minister Jarratt said the funding would benefit tourism operators and small businesses throughout Queensland. She said the state's 14 Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) would play an important role in assisting with the roll out of the $2 million package.

She explained "Queensland's vastly important tourism industry has taken a hit as a result of recent natural disasters but we need to combat the mistaken perception that the state's tourism destinations have been severely affected.

"In some cases this perception is damaging business more than the extreme weather events - many small to medium tourism operators are struggling to stay afloat following cancellations and a downturn in bookings.

"However, the fact is the majority of Queensland's tourism regions have suffered minimal or no damage and the majority of those affected are now open and operating normally.

"This additional $2 million package is designed to help operators get back on their feet and make their businesses more profitable.

"Professional advice, new skills and greater awareness of emerging markets combine with the $10 million Federal and State marketing package to boost this vital industry which supports 222,000 jobs."

Industry development measures under the $2 million package include:

• A tourism roadshow that will enable Queensland tourism operators to travel interstate and promote the region ï¾ telling potential visitors and travel trade operators in person that they are open and ready to welcome holiday makers;
• Assistance for tourism businesses to attend interstate and international trade shows to promote Queensland - including the Australian Tourism Exchange in Sydney in April and overseas trade missions to growth markets such as China;
• Information and advice on how tourism operators can profit from opportunities linked to the emerging China market;
• Trade advisory support on growth for small to medium tourism companies;
• Recovery workshops to provide information on help available to operators; and
• Capability-building programs and workshops to help operators access both domestic and international markets and use technology to attract new customers.

For details on location of initiatives and how to apply, please contact the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation on 13 25 23. Additional details on the timing and location of initiatives, the involvement of RTOs in this process and how operators can apply will be released soon.

2nd March 2011 - DOUBLE TROUBLE: NATURAL DISASTERS AND HIGH DOLLAR TAKE TOURISM TOLL