Boyle announces review of Queensland Tourism Network
Published Thursday, 11 October, 2007 at 01:07 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle today announced a review of the network of Queensland's tourism organisations - their structure, functions and inter-relations.
The Stafford Group has been appointed to conduct the review and is expected to complete a report in April next year.
Ms Boyle said the review comes at a time of dynamic change in the tourism industry.
“The advent of the internet has led to some of the more recent and significant changes.
“Increasingly people use the internet to research holidays and to check out the possibilities and the prices.
“Ten years ago people planned and booked a holiday through a local travel agent well in advance. Now people take a range of holidays of various kinds and lengths and may not make final bookings until weeks before. Some may decide to have a weekend away and even make their bookings only the day before.
“At the same time the meteoric rise in low cost airlines means travel is more affordable than ever before.
“The Queensland tourism industry is doing well - we are attracting more visitors who stay longer and who are spending more.
“Domestic tourism contributes $11.9 billion to the state’s economy each year, international visitors $3.7 billion and day visitors $3.1 billion.”
Ms Boyle said with the Queensland Tourism Strategy in place the question now is what next for the industry.
“It is now time to review the Queensland Tourism Network.
“The peak body, Tourism Queensland, was set up in 1979 and since then 14 regional tourism organisations have rolled out. Additionally there are local tourism bodies, sectoral organisations and involvement by some local governments and chambers of commerce.
“This review will look at all elements of the tourism network, ranging from the State Tourism Organisation - Tourism Queensland - right down to the Visitor Information Centre level.
“It will include:
• industry governance structures;
• roles and responsibilities;
• coordination, partnerships and relationships; and
• skill gaps and development opportunities.
“There will be consultation later this year right across Queensland with meetings coordinated by each Regional Tourism Organisation, as well as by Queensland's excellent tourism industry body, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council,” Ms Boyle said.
Submissions may be sent to Albert Stafford at email address stafford@ans.com.au by
7 December 2007.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2004
11 October 2007
The Stafford Group has been appointed to conduct the review and is expected to complete a report in April next year.
Ms Boyle said the review comes at a time of dynamic change in the tourism industry.
“The advent of the internet has led to some of the more recent and significant changes.
“Increasingly people use the internet to research holidays and to check out the possibilities and the prices.
“Ten years ago people planned and booked a holiday through a local travel agent well in advance. Now people take a range of holidays of various kinds and lengths and may not make final bookings until weeks before. Some may decide to have a weekend away and even make their bookings only the day before.
“At the same time the meteoric rise in low cost airlines means travel is more affordable than ever before.
“The Queensland tourism industry is doing well - we are attracting more visitors who stay longer and who are spending more.
“Domestic tourism contributes $11.9 billion to the state’s economy each year, international visitors $3.7 billion and day visitors $3.1 billion.”
Ms Boyle said with the Queensland Tourism Strategy in place the question now is what next for the industry.
“It is now time to review the Queensland Tourism Network.
“The peak body, Tourism Queensland, was set up in 1979 and since then 14 regional tourism organisations have rolled out. Additionally there are local tourism bodies, sectoral organisations and involvement by some local governments and chambers of commerce.
“This review will look at all elements of the tourism network, ranging from the State Tourism Organisation - Tourism Queensland - right down to the Visitor Information Centre level.
“It will include:
• industry governance structures;
• roles and responsibilities;
• coordination, partnerships and relationships; and
• skill gaps and development opportunities.
“There will be consultation later this year right across Queensland with meetings coordinated by each Regional Tourism Organisation, as well as by Queensland's excellent tourism industry body, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council,” Ms Boyle said.
Submissions may be sent to Albert Stafford at email address stafford@ans.com.au by
7 December 2007.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2004
11 October 2007