QTIC Chief Executive, Daniel Gschwind said, “Tourism has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and to recover we need to encourage visitation to Queensland through marketing and events. The additional funding will support regions to remain competitive in a tough national market.
“Tourism operators from across the state are eager to get back to business and are watching to see how the major parties propose to work with the industry to unlock its potential to drive Queensland’s economic recovery”.
The announcement by the LNP also included a reference to the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund to lure more direct flights to Queensland and boost export opportunities. The LNP proposal will see the fund restructured to ensure long-term benefits can be generated from the partnership.
Mr Gschwind continued, “QTIC presented a full set of policy and funding priorities to all election candidates which includes a priority to renew the Attracting Aviation Fund. Aviation is essential to the tourism industry as it connects travellers to the beautiful destinations that we have across the state”.
The Queensland election comes at a critical time for Queensland and the tourism industry is looking to the next Queensland Government to show strong commitment and leadership in supporting an industry that is vital to the recovery of regional communities across the state.
“The role of the sector in contributing to the post-COVID recovery will be essential to every community and region in Queensland. It will be critical that the next Queensland Government partners with the industry to drive the best possible tourism recovery for the betterment of the community and the state”.
“We look forward to further announcements on how the major parties propose to make the most of what tourism can offer for jobs and for the future of the Queensland economy”, Mr Gschwind said.
