EXCITING TIME FOR TOURISM: KEECH

Implementation of the Queensland Tourism Strategy is the number one priority for Tourism Minister Margaret Keech during the Beattie Government’s fourth term.

Mrs Keech said the $48 million QTS package would give the industry a giant shot in the arm.

“The QTS is the industry’s own blueprint for prosperity. After working with the industry to develop the strategy, I look forward this term to continuing to work with the industry to implement it,” she said.

“This package will bring more tourists, create thousands of new jobs, generate industry investment and take Queensland to the top of the national tourism ladder over the next decade.”

Mrs Keech said the Government was developing a brand new $6.5 million domestic marketing campaign to kick-start a faltering sector.

“It will take the market by storm when we launch it early next year,” she said.

“Queensland already has an enviable reputation as a great place to live, work and play and this campaign will reinforce that attraction in our interstate markets.

”We will also be investing heavily in international markets, particularly Japan, China and India for which we are developing action plans, at the same time continuing our work in more traditional markets such as the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.

”We will be developing new international marketing campaigns for the Great Barrier Reef, backpacking and independent travellers and we will host the global Australian Tourism Exchange in Brisbane next year.

”A major focus in coming years will be business events tourism – a high yielding segment and a market of enormous potential.”

Mrs Keech said the QTS gave industry and government the vision, goals, targets and actions to meet the challenges and opportunities over the next 10 years.

Media contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 or Karla Steen 3224 2007