TOURISM WELL PLANNED IN SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND COUNTRY

Tourism’s future in the South East Queensland country region is all mapped out after today’s launch of a long-term development plan by Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech said the South East Queensland Country Destination Management Plan (DMP) was designed to guide the region’s tourism development over the next three years.

Mrs Keech said the DMP was part of a Beattie Government commitment under the Queensland Tourism Strategy to help regional tourism organisations develop their destinations.

“The QTS is dedicated to securing the economic, environmental and social future of the state’s tourism industry,” Mrs Keech said.

“The South East Queensland Country DMP is a specialised strategy developed specifically for the region in consultation with the local tourism industry.

“This plan will help provide strategic direction for the local tourism industry, by analysing what is needed to make sure the area is ready for international and domestic markets.

“It will also help determine how best to promote all the great experiences on offer in the region.

“We have done our very best to identify those characteristics which make the region so unique.

“Experiences such as wine, regional cuisine, events and festivals, boutique accommodation as well as history and heritage have all been identified as important tourism assets for the region.

“These experiences have now been used as a basis for planning product development, marketing activities and local planning processes under the DMP.”

Mrs Keech said tourism advisory groups had done a great job helping provide a clear future direction for one of South East Queensland's most diverse and beautiful destinations.

“South East Queensland country covers a wide range of areas and experiences so to have such a strong partnership between state, regional and local tourism organisations is important,” Mrs Keech said.

“More than 2.4 million tourists and an extra 6 million daytrippers explored Queensland’s Southern Downs and Granite Belt, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, Greater Brisbane Country, South Burnett, and Sunshine Coast Hinterland last year.

“The Beattie Government is dedicated to ensuring the number of domestic and international visitors to the region continues to grow.”

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 or 0421 611 989