Protect Qld jobs – holiday at home: Bligh

While the Tourism Research Australia Forecasting Committee 2009 predictions for a 4% downturn in international visitors are tough they are not unexpected and the Queensland Government, Tourism Queensland and the industry are already working to overcome it, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh announced today.

Ms Bligh said that Queensland was Australia’s key tourism destination and the effects of the global financial crisis and subsequent softening of the international tourism market would have serious effects.

“No one is immune from the world economic situation, but we are in a strong position to see it through,” Ms Bligh said.

“Ultimately it’s a simple message – holiday at home and give a Queenslander a job!”

“Securing the state’s jobs will be our number one priority over the next year.”

“There has been a significant skills and labour shortage in the industry over recent years so we will be working to fill these gaps and possibly help workers displaced by the global financial crisis find jobs within the industry.

“A strong domestic tourism industry to help compensate for any international tourism downturn will assist in retaining these jobs. "

Ms Bligh said the Queensland tourism industry had some of the toughest and most resilient operators of any industry having battled downturns from such events as cyclonic weather, September 11, SARS, airline collapses and route cancellations.

“We knew 2009 was going to be tough and that is why over the past few months we have been working on targeting domestic advertising and particularly highlighting affordable travel options for Queensland families.

“We are remaining active in the international markets and will in January launch a new world-first innovative global marketing campaign that will not only drive tourists to Queensland now but also keep us top of mind for when the global financial situation improves.

“Tourism Queensland has been anticipating a strong surge in intrastate and interstate tourism in 2009 with people opting for local holidays rather than travelling overseas.

“Our ‘Holiday at Home’ campaigns will continue from 2008 well into 2009 to keep domestic tourism strong.

“The Queensland Government has also worked hard to secure new domestic and international airline services to key state tourism destinations such as the Gold Coast and Cairns.

“At the same time we have decentralised State Government and Tourism Queensland resources from Brisbane placing them on the ground throughout the state to provide more support especially in the year ahead.

Ms Bligh added that the 2008 sale of the Sunlover Holidays license had allowed Tourism Queensland to become more competitive in its marketing and holiday packaging and the funds from the sale would be injected into the tourism industry when it’s needed most.