State Government funding to develop new experiences appealing to the Chinese market.
Indigenous tourism businesses in Tropical North Queensland are invited to apply for $1.1 million in State Government funding to develop a new experience that appeals to the Chinese market.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chief Executive Officer Pip Close said eligible operators need to match the funding and demonstrate that their project would increase Chinese visitation and overnight visitor expenditure.
“The Tropical North Queensland Indigenous Tourism Project is designed to fill gaps in the region’s current product offerings,” she said.
“We are looking for an innovative product that adds to our Indigenous tourism experiences and becomes a must-do for the Chinese.
“China is our largest international market and has enormous potential with direct airline services to Cairns.
“We need to keep that market excited about Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef region by offering new experiences that appeal to the high-value travellers we want to attract.”
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the expression of interest (EOI) process would identify the best new Indigenous tourism experiences to meet the demand of the growing Chinese market.
“The Palaszczuk Government has committed $1.5 million from the Connecting with Asia Fund to expand or develop a new Indigenous tourism product or introduce new Indigenous tourism infrastructure,” he said.
“We will continue to provide visitors to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef region with new experiences and quality products to keep them coming back.”
Ms Close said the funding had been used to research what Chinese travellers are looking for and manage the EOI.
“Indigenous experiences can access this research to make sure they are providing what the Chinese traveller wants,” she said.
“The research shows young independent travellers want to try new things and are keen for adventure, while families want activities they can do safely with their children that increase the bond between parent and child.”
Email [email protected] for an application form. Applications open August 1 and close 5pm September 14 with notifications by October 30.
Applications will be assessed against evaluation criteria by a panel and will be subject to due diligence including financial and economic assessments.
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Communications Consultant Liz Inglis
M: 0419 643 494 | E: [email protected]