Data shows Queensland’s tourism sector has grown by more than $2 billion since Labor won government in 2015.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said World Tourism Day was a timely occasion to reflect on the growth of the industry over the past three years.
"More visitors than ever before are flocking to Queensland every year and today’s data shows that this has had an enormous impact on our economy," she said.
"Queensland’s Tourism Gross State Product is now worth more than $25 billion – up from less than $22 billion under the LNP.
"Over the last year we’ve welcomed more than 24 million visitors to Queensland. Under the LNP, less than 20 million visitors were traveling to the Sunshine State each year.
"This is not a coincidence – we’ve worked hard to grow this sector.
"Not only have we restored the $188 million cut by the LNP under the Newman Government, we’ve invested more in Queensland tourism than any other government in history.
"This includes the record $180 million investment we announced during the 2018 State Budget.
"Today’s announcement proves that our record investment in tourism is paying off."
During the 2018 State Budget, the Palaszczuk Government committed:
- $48 million for the Attracting Tourism fund to lure more direct flights and cruise ships
- $36 million for the Growing Tourism Infrastructure fund to deliver new attractions
- $10 million for outback tourism infrastructure
- $36 million for major events
- $50 million to rejuvenate Great Barrier Reef island resorts
Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government had a clear strategy to grow Queensland’s tourism sector.
"We’ve got the runs on the board – since Labor won government in 2015, we’ve secured about 2.4 million extra airline seats worth around $1.8 billion for Queensland," she said.
"We’ve also doubled the value of our major events calendar which will this year generate about $780 million.
"And we’re delivering new tourism infrastructure throughout the state that will ensure these numbers continue to rise – projects like the Wangetti Trail in Cairns that will generate roughly $300 million in coming years and Queen’s Wharf that will lure an extra 1.5 million tourists to Brisbane."
Ms Jones said innovation would play an important part in the future growth of Queensland’s tourism economy.
"This year’s theme for World Tourism Day is around digital innovation. It’s a timely reminder to Queensland’s tourism leaders that we need to continue to think outside the box to ensure we stay ahead of the curve in years to come," she said
"That’s why we’re supporting Queensland tourism operators to get online and go global through programs like ‘Best of Queensland Experiences’ run by TEQ."
