Queensland Government makes significant investments in tourism development

Looking to capitalise on record numbers of visitors, the Queensland Government is to invest $180 million in new tourism experiences and infrastructure.

Queensland’s 2018/19 budget will see record tourism spending including $48.6 million for the Attracting Tourism Fund and $46 million for the Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Experience Development Program which incorporates $10 million for outback tourism infrastructure.

Commenting on the funding, Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones stated “this investment is a game changer for Queensland’s tourism industry.

“We’re focused on partnering with operators to deliver new tourism infrastructure in Queensland.

“We know that the new generation of visitors are looking for unique experiences – that’s what we need to deliver if we’re to stay ahead of the curve.

“As part of our Regional Tourism Infrastructure program, we’re working to deliver new ecotourism experiences that will give Queensland regions a point of difference.

“This includes $950,000 to support a business case and detailed designs for the proposed Wangetti Trail in Far North Queensland.”

Minister Jones said improving access to Queensland’s key visitor destinations was another important part of the government’s strategy to boost tourism, adding “we’re continuing to partner with airlines to attract more direct flights to Queensland.

“We’ve got the runs on the board – we’ve secured more than two million additional airline seats into Queensland since February 2015, injecting an estimated $1.7 billion in additional overnight visitor expenditure into the Queensland economy.

The Queensland budget also includes spending on key transport infrastructure, a move welcomed by the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia (TTF).

TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond advised “overcoming the problems caused by Queensland’s rapid growth and congestion requires transformative infrastructure investment, and the Government has come to the table in what can certainly be described as an infrastructure budget.”

Images: Snorkelling at Great Keppel Island (top) and Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones (below).

1st June 2018 - NEW WALKING TRAIL AND ECOTOURISM PROJECT PLANNED FOR COASTAL STRIP NORTH OF CAIRNS

20th April 2018 - MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR REFURBISHMENT ANNOUNCED FOR FITZROY ISLAND RESORT

13th April 2018 - DAYDREAM ISLAND RESORT REVEALS NEW $14 MILLION POOL PLANS

30th March 2018 - QUEENSLAND’S DOMESTIC TOURISM MARKET REACHES RECORD HIGHS

29th March 2018 - $583 MILLION RESORT REDEVELOPMENT TO REVITALISE LINDEMAN ISLAND

26th February 2018 - RESEARCH SHOWS QUEENSLAND A WORLD LEADER IN ENDURANCE EVENT TOURISM

10th February 2018 - QUEENSLAND TOURISM OPERATORS COMMITTED TO TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES

9th February 2018 - CLIMATE CHANGE THREATENING AUSTRALIAN TOURISM

22nd January 2018 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO FUND $60 MILLION GREAT BARRIER REEF RESCUE PACKAGE

8th December 2017 - QTIC WELCOMES CONTINUITY OF QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT

26th November 2017 - NEW NATURE PLAY SPACE OPENS IN CAIRNS