New tourism business ideas wanted at DestinationQ Bundaberg forum

Turning ideas into new tourism businesses to boost regional economies will be the focus of the DestinationQ Tourism New Ideas Forum in Bundaberg today (Tuesday).

Member for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson said innovation was key to businesses creating tourism products and experiences to meet the demands of visitors in the future.

“The DestinationQ New Ideas Forum is a chance for tourism businesses to get insight into how to turn ideas into actions,” Ms Donaldson said.

“Today’s forum is one of a series of regional events under the government and industry partnership.”

Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch said it was a smart move for the New Ideas Forums under the Palaszczuk Government’s $22.7 million Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy to partner with DestinationQ, giving regional tourism operators and industry representatives the opportunity to hear how to turn ideas into new tourism businesses.

Ms Enoch said businesses from across the Wide Bay region will hear from industry experts Shane Emms, of the Zen Beach Retreat, and Brad Illich, Chief Executive Officer of Newbook and winner of the 2016 QTIC Award for Innovation.

“Nine out of 10 tourism businesses are small businesses, and for these businesses, it is vital for them to be entrepreneurial,” Ms Enoch said.

“They also need to be sure that the innovations they want to make to their businesses are viable.

“Being able to test the viability of an idea and how to make it more attractive to customers or investors is an important part of the innovation process.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the forum was a valuable opportunity for businesses to tap into the entrepreneurial groundswell that can bring opportunities and challenges.

“It is no secret we are living in a world where people are travelling more, are highly connected and looking for more personalised experiences,” Minister Jones said.

“To meet and grow this demand, we need to be able to have great ideas and know how to make them work.

“These steps to building the capability of tourism businesses is a top priority of Advancing Tourism 2016-20 Growing Queensland Jobs.”

 Minister Jones said there were also new digital tools available, including a refreshed DestinationQ app and online resources to provide a useful one-stop shop reference tool.

“Whether businesses are looking to improve their brand, enhance their online presence, be a more resilient business or develop new tourism experiences, these resources can help them take the right path,” she said.

“There’s also a wealth of information on the new-look DestinationQ website about tourism careers, research and upcoming events like the annual DestinationQ forum.

“I encourage all tourism businesses to check out the new app to see how it can link you to the right support for your business.”

Registrations will open soon for the annual DestinationQ forum on 9-10 November which will be held in Brisbane for the first time.

The DestinationQ app can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play, visit https://www.destq.com.au/ and to access online resources for small business www.business.qld.gov.au.

For more information please visit https://www.destq.com.au/ and to access online resources for small business www.business.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909