Minister Jones hits the ground running on the Gold Coast

The Palaszczuk Government has confirmed its commitment to the Gold Coast’s tourism and major events industries, promising to collaborate with local stakeholders on priorities for the key region.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones told tourism and Commonwealth Games representatives the Government wants to work collaborative with them to drive tourism growth.

Speaking at the Gold Coast’s iconic Q1 building, Minister Jones said, “I come to the Gold Coast with one clear message: the Palaszczuk Government is committed to driving tourism growth.”

“I want our partners and the Gold Coast community to be assured that enhancing the Gold Coast’s reputation as a premier tourism and events destination is a key priority for this government.”

Minister Jones said she believes collaboration is critical for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) and that it was a unique opportunity to reinforce the Gold Coast’s reputation as a major event and tourism destination and to realise lasting benefits for business, industry, sporting and community groups.

“Today I am committing to you that I will be a regular face on the Gold Coast. I believe that the strength of tourism on the Gold Coast is vital to the strength of Queensland and I want to work with you to grow it,” she said.

Chair of Gold Coast Tourism Corporation Paul Donovan said he was delighted that in her first week of office, the Minister was visiting the Gold Coast to meet with everyone.

“Anyone in that position who can pick up the phone on day three of the job and call me, a regional partner, shows the kind of commitment I’m looking for," he said.

“Today is an appreciation of the importance of the Gold Coast market to the Queensland tourism industry. I’m excited about the future.”

Visit www.aheadofthegames.embracing2018.com for the inside story on GC2018 preparations.

Media contact: Emma Smith 0412 116 764