Queensland tourism’s billion-dollar boom time

New data has revealed more than $1 billion in private sector tourism infrastructure projects, tipped to create more than 1500 jobs will be completed by mid this year.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this is on top of 1000 Queensland jobs created from projects completed in the 2017-2018 financial year.

“The number one priority for my government is creating jobs for Queenslanders,” the Premier said.

“This just goes to show our strategy to partner with the private sector to stimulate investment in Queensland tourism is paying off.

“The fact that 1500 jobs are being created in this financial year is a huge win for our tourism industry.”

Projects that have come on line in 2018-19 include:

• Adina Apartments Hotel – completed in July 2018
• Emporium 2 hotel – completed in September 2018
• Calile Hotel – completed September 2018
• The Westin Hotel --- completed November 2018
• Riley Hotel --- completed December 2018
• Kur-Cow Barnwell Farm --- completed January 2019
• Howard Smith Wharves (including Art Series Hotel) – completed March 2019
• Twin Waters Resort – Conference facilities --- completed April 2019
• Daydream Island Resort - completed April 2019
• Dreamworlds Sky Voyager I-Ride - expected to open June 2019

Projects that came on line in 2017-2018 include:

• Pullman and Ibis Brisbane Airport Hotels - October 2017
• FV Peppers Fortitude Valley - March 2018
• Star Darling Hotel – March 2018
• Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach – May 2018
• Novotel South Brisbane Hotel - June 2018
• W Brisbane - June 2018
• Sanctuary by Sirromet Mt Cotton - June 2018
• W Hotel – June 2018

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Palaszczuk Government remained committed to partnering with the private sector to deliver new tourism infrastructure in Queensland.

“There’s plenty more to look forward to over the next couple of years,” she said.

“With major projects like the Cairns Global Tourism Hub, Brisbane Live and upgrades to Hayman Island set to come on line soon, this will create thousands of new tourism jobs for Queenslanders.

“The Palaszczuk Government is investing more in Queensland’s tourism industry than any government in history.

"Our focus is on the entire state including the Outback, that’s why the Premier declared this year - the Year of Outback Tourism.  We’ve got some great announcements coming up, so watch this space.

“Our investment in tourism is in stark contrast to the LNP who cut $188 million in tourism funding when Campbell Newman and Deb Frecklington were controlling the purse strings.”

ENDS

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447