Domestic tourism spending up 10 per cent in the Far North
Published Friday, 14 September, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Domestic visitor spending in the Far North increased 10 per cent to more than $1.2 billion in the year to June 2007, according to the latest National Visitor Survey.
Member for Cairns Desley Boyle, who was sworn in as Tourism Minister yesterday, said the figures were excellent news for the tourism industry in the Far North.
“I’m excited because Cairns has never had the portfolio of Tourism before and putting it together with industry and regional development will open up more opportunities,” Ms Boyle said.
“I am also excited because I already have a track record for lobbying for opportunities in the regions of Queensland. The regions are where there are big growth and opportunities for the future.”
Ms Boyle said the latest tourism figures showed the Far North continued to be one of Australia’s most popular playgrounds.
She said the increase represented an additional $109 million for the Far North’s economy and its hard-working tourism operators, which was a tremendous outcome.
“Per person, this figure equates to an average spend of $863, showing that domestic visitors to the region are finding plenty to see and do during their stay,” she said.
“The Queensland Government, through Tourism Queensland, has invested in extensive marketing and development over the past year to boost opportunities for Far North Queensland.”
Ms Boyle said the number of Sydneysiders visiting was also up with an increase of 23 per cent or nearly 25,000 people.
“Overall, the region welcomed more than 131,000 holidaying Sydneysiders in the 12 months to June 2007,” she said.
“There was also an increase in business tourists, by 10 per cent - or around 24,000 - to more than 283,000 tourists.
“Similarly, we’ve recently seen a jump in international business tourists to the region.
“These figures show the Far North is a highly attractive destination for business tourists from both within Australia, and overseas.”
Ends
Media contact: Mark Symons 3225 1005 or Marcus Taylor (Tourism Queensland) 3535 5010/0419 646 121
14 September 2007
Member for Cairns Desley Boyle, who was sworn in as Tourism Minister yesterday, said the figures were excellent news for the tourism industry in the Far North.
“I’m excited because Cairns has never had the portfolio of Tourism before and putting it together with industry and regional development will open up more opportunities,” Ms Boyle said.
“I am also excited because I already have a track record for lobbying for opportunities in the regions of Queensland. The regions are where there are big growth and opportunities for the future.”
Ms Boyle said the latest tourism figures showed the Far North continued to be one of Australia’s most popular playgrounds.
She said the increase represented an additional $109 million for the Far North’s economy and its hard-working tourism operators, which was a tremendous outcome.
“Per person, this figure equates to an average spend of $863, showing that domestic visitors to the region are finding plenty to see and do during their stay,” she said.
“The Queensland Government, through Tourism Queensland, has invested in extensive marketing and development over the past year to boost opportunities for Far North Queensland.”
Ms Boyle said the number of Sydneysiders visiting was also up with an increase of 23 per cent or nearly 25,000 people.
“Overall, the region welcomed more than 131,000 holidaying Sydneysiders in the 12 months to June 2007,” she said.
“There was also an increase in business tourists, by 10 per cent - or around 24,000 - to more than 283,000 tourists.
“Similarly, we’ve recently seen a jump in international business tourists to the region.
“These figures show the Far North is a highly attractive destination for business tourists from both within Australia, and overseas.”
Ends
Media contact: Mark Symons 3225 1005 or Marcus Taylor (Tourism Queensland) 3535 5010/0419 646 121
14 September 2007