Tourism and Transport Forum Leadership Summit to welcome Premier and Opposition Leader

Ahead of the upcoming state election, Queensland Premier Steven Miles, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli and key colleagues will detail their vision for the tourism and transport sectors this month at the Tourism & Transport Forum’s Leadership QLD 2024.

Being held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) on Thursday 29th August, additional speakers include Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Healy, Shadow Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Minnikin, Shadow Employment and Training Minister Brent Mickelberg and Shadow Environment Minister Sam O’Connor.

The event will be emceed by the Walkley and Logie award-winning host of ABC’s Insiders and National Political Lead, David Speers.

Advising that the Forum was an important opportunity for both major parties to outline their commitment to supporting Queensland’s visitor economy, to ensure the state’s tourism, transport and aviation sectors continue to thrive, Tourism & Transport Forum Chief Executive, Margy Osmond stated “this event is a critical chance for the Premier, Opposition Leader and their senior colleagues to detail their plans for Queensland’s tourism industry, which employs more than 260,000 people across the state.

“Despite being a top performer nationally, the state’s tourism industry is still facing significant headwinds, from severe weather impacts, skills shortages, the rising cost of living and intense competition within the tourism market globally.”

“We want to see Queensland continue to be a leading destination for both Australian and overseas visitors and achieve its target for the tourism industry to bring in $44.4 billion a year by 2032.”

Osmond praised the new initiatives to boost tourism and improve the visitor experience, like the recent campaign, ‘Queensland is Bluey’s world in real life’ and the six-month trial of 50 cent fares across bus, train and ferry services, which launched this week.

She noted “it’s fantastic to see the Queensland Government investing in programs to support public transport and build the visitor economy, particularly as we prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The captivating victories in Paris right now are a great reminder of the power of major global events like the Olympics to capture the world’s attention and bring economic benefits for local industry.”

Welcoming the Opposition’s long-standing, bipartisan approach to supporting tourism and related sectors, Osmond added "we appreciate the Opposition’s enduring commitment to ensuring Queensland continues to be a world-class tourism destination for visitors from across Australia and overseas."

She praised Queensland for being a leader in supporting First Nations tourism, which will also play a key role in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.

“We want to ensure Queensland continues to support First Nations tourism operators and enhance First Nations tourism offerings across the state, giving international visitors and Australians alike the chance to foster deeper connections with the world’s oldest living culture.”

For more information about Leadership QLD 2024: Tourism, Aviation and Transport Summit click here for details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Cape Hillsborough; Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland.