New action plan builds on booming tourism industry

Creating jobs in the state's booming tourism industry was the focus of discussion at the DestinationQ forum in Mackay today.

At the forum, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Tourism Minister Kate Jones released Advancing Tourism 2016-20: Growing Queensland Jobs, the Palaszczuk Government’s action plan for the industry.

“My government is committed to creating jobs here in Queensland,” the Premier said.

“With our proximity to Asia and our beautiful natural assets up and down the coast and through the Outback, we know we have a great opportunity to grow the tourism industry.

“But we have to get it right in a hugely competitive global environment.

“Our action plan will help guide the partnership between government and industry as we grow the industry and create jobs for Queenslanders.

“We know this requires a whole-of-government approach.

”Having key Cabinet ministers here today, we are showing we will work together with industry to leverage the Advance Queensland and Jobs Queensland agendas.”

Ms Jones said tourism was one of Queensland’s greatest competitive advantages.

“In the last year we have welcomed record numbers of domestic and international visitors to Queensland,” Ms Jones said.

“Tourism is a $23 billion industry which supports 220,000 jobs in our state and we are committed to growing the industry further.

 “Research tells us we will need thousands of new skilled employees to meet the demands of a growing industry.

“Developing a skilled tourism workforce is a priority for the Government and we are investing in small businesses and jobs and skills training for Queenslanders.

“Our Back to Work regional jobs program and Accelerate Small Business Grants are designed to support small businesses and tourism operators develop and hire skilled employees and grow their businesses.”

Ms Jones said the plan also focuses on creating new experiences and products for visitors.

“In the last year, domestic visitor expenditure grew to $14.6 billion and international visitor expenditure reached a record $5.1 billion,” Ms Jones said.

“We know we need to provide visitors with new experiences and quality products and services to keep them coming back.

“Working with the industry and operators, we are confident we will be able to capitalise on our strengths to develop experiences that will showcase Queensland to the world.”

The four strategic priority areas identified in Advancing Tourism 2016-20: Growing Queensland jobs are:

Grow quality products, events and experiences

• Invest in infrastructure and access
• Build a skilled workforce and business capabilities
• Seize the opportunity in Asia

More than 300 tourism industry leaders and business operators attended DestinationQ from across Queensland.

To view the strategy visit www.dtesb.qld.gov.au/tourism

Media contact: 3719 7000