Queensland Government delivers multimillion dollar boost to regional tourism

Almost $3.1 million will be invested in 22 Queensland tourism and events projects as part of the Queensland Government’s Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) Contestable Grants Funding Scheme.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the funding would be used to enhance local tourism opportunities and provide a further boost for tourism and events in Queensland.

“Last year the grants attracted an additional $2.7 million in partner contributions and delivered a series of tourism projects across the state,” Ms Stuckey said. 

“In line with the Government’s DestinationQ strategy, successful applications include innovative proposals which focus on marketing and product development, and encourage community and industry collaboration.

“This is part of our strong plan for a brighter future for tourism in Queensland.”

Ms Stuckey said RTOs were encouraged to leverage their own contributions towards projects with those from partners including local governments, local tourism organisations, industry and others to strengthen their proposed initiatives.

“Where grant applications have been successful, destinations’ cash contributions were eligible for matched State Government funding,” Ms Stuckey said.

“In addition, projects were able to receive an extra 50 per cent for every dollar of new local government funds contributed to their successful projects.”

Ms Stuckey said the grants were a practical example of the Government’s commitment to partnering with industry to work towards the goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.

“The Government’s 20-year plan for tourism, Destination Success, outlines the need for industry and government to work in partnership, unified in the approach to support the growth of tourism in the state.”

[ENDS] 23 June 2014

Media Contact:
Minister Stuckey’s office: Natalie Wynne 3719 7240 / 0439 291 268