INTERN PROGRAM TAKES STUDENTS TO ROMA

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech today launched a new internship program, in a push to help drive tourism employment opportunities in the bush.

Mrs Keech said the Regional Internship Program would take three University of Queensland tourism students to Roma for three weeks.

“This is a wonderful initiative, and the first of its kind in this state to be specifically dedicated to tourism,” she said.

“It’s a prime example of how we can help combat skills shortages in the tourism industry, particularly in regional Queensland.

“There is a growing need for well-trained industry professionals in regional tourism and I am proud to endorse such a worthwhile initiative.”

Mrs Keech said the shortage of skills was identified as a major issue during consultation for the Queensland Tourism Strategy. Addressing the issue was a key focus of the 10-year, $48 million QTS.

“Initiatives such as the Regional Internship Program will help tackle such issues,” she said.

“It provides a tremendous opportunity for the students involved to hone their skills and industry knowledge base in a growing regional tourism hub like Roma, while local operators will be able to benefit from the students’ expertise to help further enhance and promote their businesses.

“The students will work in a variety of tourism roles with local Roma operators, including a week at the Big Rig.”

Mrs Keech said the scheme was a good example of the collaborative efforts between tourism operators and the higher education sector.

“This initiative has come about through the a partnership between the University of Queensland’s School of Tourism, the Roma Miles Tourism Development Unit, the Roma Town Council and a host of local tourism operators in the Roma district, so it’s wonderful to see different sectors working together to achieve joint aims,” she said.

“There is much to feel good about when it comes to the growing tourism industry in the bush, and this scheme will certainly help bring many benefits to the local community.”

Media contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 or Nicola Shew (Tourism Queensland) 3535 5356.