Cairns popular with Aussie travellers

Domestic visitor numbers to the Far North have grown almost six per cent compared to the year prior, proving the Newman Government’s strong commitment to tourism is paying off, while Labor has no plans for the industry.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said Tourism Research Australia’s latest National Visitor Survey results released today showed 1.6 million Australians have flocked to Tropical North Queensland, spending $1.7 billion on visits in the year to March 2014.

“This is great news for the Far North and will be a huge boost to the region’s tourism industry as well as local businesses,” said Ms Stuckey.

“The Newman Government has a strong plan for a brighter future, supporting and growing tourism as we promised at the election,” Ms Stuckey said. 

“The intrastate holiday market increased 13 per cent to 556,000, with the majority of visitors being from Brisbane or from within the TNQ region.

“Far North holidays were also popular with Sydneysiders with travel from the key interstate market also increasing eight per cent to more than 400,000 visitors during the year to March 2014,” she said.

Member for Cairns and Assistant Minister for Tourism Gavin King said events like the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in April, ATE14 in May and Cairns Airport Adventure Festival also provided strong support for the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland.

“The number of holidaymakers to Tropical North Queensland grew 10 per cent to almost one million while domestic visitor spending in the destination also increased 10 per cent to $1.7 billion,” he said.

“Tourism is one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy and the Government will continue to support the industry towards our goal of increasing domestic and international overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020,” said Mr King.

Ms Stuckey said the Tropical North Queensland region relied on tourism.

“Your local MPs Gavin King, Michael Trout and David Kempton have fought hard to revitalise the region’s industry and they continue to support the strong growth in the sector,” said Ms Stuckey.

“Unfortunately Labor is continuing its ongoing neglect for tourism with no plans or policies for this vital industry. 

“After eight years in Council, Labor’s Candidate for Cairns Robert Pyne’s only plan for this crucial industry is to build a viewing platform for flying foxes. 

“Just as the Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk was recently caught out not being able to guarantee job growth because she has no economic plans, Robert Pyne and Labor have no plans for tourism. 

“Mr Pyne should be putting his efforts into supporting the tourism industry, instead of pushing union agendas via email to council staffers. 

“In stark contrast, the Newman Government has a clear plan for the long term prosperity of tourism. Through Destination Success, our 20 year plan for tourism, we have a shared purpose and vision between industry and Government. 

“The figures released today represent a six per cent increase in domestic visitor spending in Queensland over a three-year trend and we will continue to work hard to sustain these great results.

“Our focus is on preserving and growing the value of the domestic market, remembering the many Queenslanders who holiday within our state and many Australians who visit Queensland.”

More Information about Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey for the year ended March 2014 is available at – teq.queensland.com

Audio available here: https://soundcloud.com/jannstuckey/sets/cairns-popular-with-aussie 

[ENDS] 9 July 2014 

Media Contact: Minister Stuckey’s office: 3719 7240 / 0408 410 930