Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Jann Stuckey
01/05/2012
DestinationQ to get tourism back on track
The Newman LNP Government is delivering on another election promise with arrangements being finalised for Queensland’s landmark tourism forum- ‘DestinationQ’- to be held at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns on June 25 and 26.
Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey said more than 300 tourism businesses and organisations from across the State will gather in Far North Queensland for the inaugural forum.
“This is Queensland’s first major forum since the 1980’s and will shape the future of the state’s crucial tourism sector,” Ms Stuckey said.
“By working together, the Government, industry leaders and operators can put Queensland front of mind as Australia’s number one tourism destination.
“This conference is all about restoring confidence and opportunity in the industry.
“The LNP government’s target is to double visitor expenditure by 2020; that will mean an extra $15 billion flowing into the Queensland economy.
“DestinationQ will be a working conference, which will deliver a whole-of-government approach to tourism. Premier Campbell Newman will give the key note address, leading a range of Ministers across related portfolios who will also be in attendance.”
“Tourism is one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy, generating jobs right across the state and in particular, in regional areas like FNQ.
“Tourism accounts for 10 per cent of Queensland’s total employment, while almost 30 per cent of all businesses have some link to the industry.
“Tourism is a bigger employer than the resources sector and will play a pivotal role in helping the Government reduce the unemployment rate to 4 per cent in six years.
“The Campbell Newman team is committed to working closely with industry to ensure Queensland claims its crown as one of the premier tourist destinations in the world.
“Our Government is also putting in place its Attracting Aviation Investment Fund to encourage and develop international connections.
“DestinationQ is just the start of what will be an exciting journey to revitalise and reinvigorate Queensland’s tourism industry.”
