International tourism boom their doing, says State Government
Shire industry
The top tourism credentials of Far North Queensland are being spruiked in state parliament by Tourism Minister Andrew Powell, who is claiming responsibility for our successes.
“There is a buzz right across Queensland at the moment and that is because this government is delivering what those opposite could not: a strong, stable pathway to 2032 and beyond,” Minister Powell said late last month.
“Total visitor expenditure climbed to $43.5 billion, including a record $1.1 billion in Tropical North Queensland alone.
“That is real momentum, that is real confidence and it shows that Queensland is firmly cementing its reputation as the home of the holiday.”
Minister Powell said Queensland operators delivered our strongest result since 2022 at the recent Australian Tourism Awards in Western Australia, bringing home seven gold, two silver and three bronze awards.
Cape York Peninsula Lodge won gold in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences category, Reef House Adults Retreat at Palm Cove won bronze in the Five Star Tourism Accommodation category and the Lazy Lizard Motor Inn in Port Douglas was a finalist in the 3-3.5 Star Accommodation category.
“From Brisbane to the south-west and to Tropical North Queensland, those awards showcased the depth and the strength of Queensland tourism,” Minister Powell said.
“That momentum is not accidental; it is the result of a plan - in fact, two plans.”
Those plans are the 2032 Olympic Games and the Destination 2045 tourism campaign, he said.
“We want Queensland to be the events capital of this country and we are securing world-class events that bring visitors to our state,” he said.
“There are events like Savannah in the Round in Far North Queensland, a stand-out regional festival bringing visitors to the gulf and showcasing the very best of Outback Queensland.
“This pipeline of events is no accident; it is the result of a government determined to deliver to attract a global calibre of events, to support local jobs and to give Queenslanders more reason to get out and enjoy their state.”