Queensland’s visitor economy is nation-leading

Published Tuesday, 27 September, 2022 at 04:30 PM

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Queensland’s visitor economy is nation-leading

Domestic visitors in the year to June 2022 spent a nation-leading $19.6 billion on sharing Queensland’s great lifestyle and supporting more good, secure tourism jobs.

Queensland’s record-breaking domestic visitor spend was revealed in the latest National and International Visitor Surveys released today by Tourism Research Australia, on World Tourism Day.

In the Far North, Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said spending had been turbo-charged by interstate visitors and Queenslanders exploring our own backyard. 

“I can’t think of a better way of celebrating World Tourism Day 2022 than a confidence boosting $19.6 billion spend on Queensland visitor experiences,” Mr Hinchliffe said.    

“This nation-leading $19.6 billion spend is a record for Queensland tourism in domestic Overnight Visitor Expenditure (OVE), and 1.1 per cent higher than before Covid-19.

“A big part of the record-breaking success is a 22 per cent surge in holidaymaker spending, up by an extra $1.9 billion in the year to June.  

“There was also a 66 per cent increase in domestic visitor spending in Queensland during the June 2022 quarter.

“It shows domestic tourism in Queensland is bouncing back from the pandemic with travelers beating a path to operators who have invested in building back better to deliver new, world-class visitor experiences.

“Tourism Research Australia’s analysis indicates Queensland’s share of domestic tourism spend tops the nation at 28.5 per cent, or three and 10 per cent higher than NSW and Victoria, respectively.

“Among Queensland’s most resilient are the Tropical North with a 24.3 per cent increase in domestic spending, compared with 2019, to a record $3.12 billion and a record $1.3 billion in the Whitsundays.

“During the worst of Covid, the Palaszczuk Government invested more than $1.1 billion to help keep tourism and hospitality operators on their feet and we’re seeing that initiative reflected in the latest national results.”      

Almost half of the spending increase was on accommodation, followed by food and drink expenses, in-destination transport and organised tours.

The National Visitor Survey data for June 2022 quarter also reveals a promising trend for Queensland’s international tourism industry.

“We know two thirds of overseas visitors to Queensland arrived between early March and the end of June this year, outperforming the national average for travelers from the UK, US and Singapore.” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

“Although there’s more work to be done on international recovery, the June quarter shows an encouraging response to the opportunities of Queensland’s green and gold runway to the 2032 Games.”

While in the Far North, Minister Hinchliffe announced $700,000 in the Budget to help the Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation (MYAC) to progress the Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco Cultural Tourism Precinct proposal.

“The theme of World Tourism Day is Re-thinking Tourism with a focus on ecotourism and this funding will help MYAC start planning and designs for the next four stages of the precinct,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Queensland Government funding for the first stage under the Connecting with Asia strategy last year delivered a jetty, access infrastructure, a shelter and amenities and assistance to refocus experiences for domestic visitors.

“Once all six stages are built, the Traditional Owners will lead tours, operate and maintain the business ahead of the 2032 Games and open up to 400 new jobs in the Yarrabah region.”

MYAC’s Indigenous Protected Area Tourism and Infrastructure Manager, Dewayne Mundraby said MYAC was committed to reshaping Far North Queensland Indigenous tourism.

“We’re already delivering three, authentic On Country visitor experiences with our 42-seater commercial vessel and the next step is securing investment for the remaining stages two to six,” Mr Mundraby said.

“The Queensland Government’s $700,000 will help to progress the project to investment ready status.”

MYAC’s vision for the Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco Cultural Tourism Precinct proposal is a $46.8 million, world-class attraction showcasing Indigenous history, culture and the natural environment for adventure, fun, education and wellbeing. 

Funding is from the Palaszczuk Government’s $27.4 million Regional Tourism Recovery Program, providing targeted funding for tourism projects that will help Queensland’s visitor economy to continue to recover and grow, post-pandemic.

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