The budget announcement also coincided with the release of the long-awaited Towards 2032 – Action Plan for Tourism Recovery. Authored by an independent panel that was first set up in early 2021 by the state government, the report sets out 75 key recommendations to government to facilitate our industry’s recovery and establish Queensland as a world-leading visitor economy by 2032.
The report covers a wide range of topics and industry-related concerns, from fast-tracking market diversification and protecting our natural assets, to reimagining our coastal experiences and developing access infrastructure. QTIC welcomes the spirit of the report and the government’s allocation of $66.4 million within the state budget to see the fulfillment of some of the Action Plan’s recommendations. It is promising to see a government that is committed to working strategically with our industry to ensure the long-term success of our critical visitor economy.
Not only was June the month of budgets and strategic reports, but we also applauded the announcement of Queensland’s best holiday destinations for 2022 at the QTIC Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards. I’m pleased to share that the deserving Tamborine Mountain, Airlie Beach, and Winton were all crowned this year’s top tourist towns.
I attended the Awards ceremony in Brisbane for the first time this year and was heartened to see the resolve and dedication of all the 23 Top Tourism Town finalists to visitor excellence. The Awards program is a great way to shine a light on our state’s regional gems, whose dedication to growing tourism within their respective regions is worthy of celebration by our industry.
As we come to the end of another financial year and begin to see the green shoots of our industry’s recovery, I’m bolstered by the commitment of our industry’s operators, our regions and of government bodies in working together to see that Queensland becomes a world-leading visitor destination. There is much to be done in the new financial year, but I’m certain that we’ll be able to take the lessons of the past and move forward with renewed strength and determination.
Kind Regards,
Brett Fraser
QTIC Chief Executive Officer
