QTIC fears 'negative' weather forecasts deter visitors

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is calling for weather reports to be more positive, saying that reports that mention cloud and rain deter potential visitors.

Brisbane newspaper the Courier Mail has today reported that QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind has said language used in Bureau of Meteorology forecasts saying 'partly cloudy' and 'chance of rain' should instead say 'mostly sunny' and 'likely sunshine'.

Gschwind advised "weather messaging has a significant impact on weekend, spontaneous and day-trip travel plans.

"We prefer the 'glass half-full' option when it comes to weather reporting - for example, 'mainly sunny' is more encouraging to domestic travellers than 'chance of rain'."

Gschwind said forecasts for rain should be framed as a positive, as a 'cooling down' during days where temperatures are high.

The Courier Mail reported that University of Queensland tourism Associate Professor Dr Pierre Beckendorff confirmed that tourist numbers dropped when rain and showers were predicted.

He advised "more positive language that would still inform other industries without spooking tourists would certainly help."

A spokesperson for Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Queensland Government had not been contacted about changing forecasts used by the Bureau of Meteorology.

The spokesperson advised "everyone knows Queensland is beautiful one day and perfect the next."

Neither Gschwind nor Dr Beckendorff advised on the style of weather forecast language to be used during extreme weather events such as cyclones, storms or floods.

The Bureau of Meteorology is an Executive Agency of the Federal Government responsible for providing weather services to Australia and surrounding areas.

Forecasts on the Sky News Weather Channel are provided by meteorological firm The Weather Company. 

Image: Great Keppel Island.

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