Gladstone receives $72,000 to prepare for the future of tourism

Gladstone will receive a special grant of $72,000 to develop two important local tourism initiatives, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle announced today.

“These funds will help Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd to further develop tourism packages for international tourists and help develop drive tourism into the Gladstone region,” Ms Boyle said.

“They will be able to employ a consultant to work with local tourism operators on understanding the needs of visitors from key international markets and how to meet them.

“The drive market is on the move in Queensland and this grant will help Gladstone produce regional itineraries with the long-term goal of increasing the length of time people stay in the region.

“The Gladstone region is developing quickly as a tourism destination thanks to the hard work of the industry, Tourism Queensland and Gladstone Area Promotion and Development.

“The Queensland Government is dedicated to ensuring tourism continues to be an economic driver and employer in the region.”

Ms Boyle said the grant for Gladstone Area Promotion and Development was part of a $1 million funding boost to assist regional tourism organisations to implement the Bligh Government’s ten-year, $48 million Queensland Tourism Strategy.

“The Queensland Tourism Strategy is a key election promise to secure the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the State’s tourism industry,” she said.

“I congratulate Gladstone Area Promotion and Development on preparing a funding submission that will help grow tourism in region.”

For more information on the Queensland Tourism Strategy visit www.qldtourismstrategy.com.au

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Media contact: 3224 2004
16 November 2007