A future Queensland Labor Government will boost funding by more than double to attract overseas visitors, Shadow Treasurer Curtis Pitt said today.
Mr Pitt said Labor would commit an extra $10 million over three years, providing a massive boost to the Attracting Aviation fund.
“Labor will boost the amount of funding available to regional tourism organisations to attract international airlines and flights to Queensland, providing up to $10 million over three years,” he said.
“Under our Growth for Tourism Guarantee, Labor has already identified the need to focus on emerging tourism markets in Asia.
“Currently Australia is missing out on the boom in international travel. In particular, Chinese tourists are travelling internationally more often.
“Australia has managed to increase Chinese tourism, however visitation to Queensland has not grown at the same rate as some of our international competitors, despite our natural attractions such as the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and unique tropical rainforests.
“This funding will provide a massive boost to the Attracting Aviation fund, which has currently been allocated $8 million over four years, and will target the growing Asian tourist market.
“Labor will make these funds available to support regional tourism organisations, which will be able to apply for grants for strategies to partner with and attract international airlines and flights to Queensland.”
Mr Pitt said the LNP had let down Queensland tourism.
“Labor believes that new markets must be developed,” he said.
“Growth in terms of both economic development and population growth, throughout Asia, means greater opportunities for tourism growth from Asian markets.
“This is especially true for tourists from China, compared with more traditional markets.”
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