Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chief Executive Officer Pip Close said local candidates would be lobbied to ensure the tourism industry could continue to build on the competitiveness of the destination.
TTNQ’s State Election priorities are:
Infrastructure – aviation development.
Mono destination positioning of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.
Development of Indigenous tourism marketing in international markets.
Development of roads, boardwalks, amenities, general utilities, trails, tracks and signage.
Improvement of roads in the north to open more areas for Indigenous tourism.
Investment in WiFi and 4G services to support existing communication platforms for quality telecommunications coverage throughout Tropical North Queensland.
Investment in public infrastructure to leverage Local Government sports and events development plans including the Cairns Convention Centre and a large off-site dinner venue.
“Aviation is critical to tourism and the economic future of Tropical North Queensland making a funding commitment to the development of new direct routes to Cairns essential,” Ms Close said.
“Direct international routes are needed as currently 76 per cent of the 898,000 international visitors to Cairns use domestic flights which creates pressure on domestic seat availability causing inflated pricing for local travellers.
“Funds are required to launch new routes, to create brand awareness to assist our region reach the 2020 visitor expenditure target of $3.9 billion, and to ensure long-term airline sustainability.
“We are fortunate to have bipartisan support for the $176 million expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre and ask that the 2018 State budget continue to reflect this commitment.
“Sports and events tourism is the key to ensuring year-round viability of our industry and we need public infrastructure to build on the success we have already enjoyed with these events.
“Indigenous tourism is the third pillar for the Tropical North Queensland destination and funds are required to market the Timeless Experiences brand which represents more than 30 of the region’s Indigenous tourism products.
“Investment in WiFi and 4G services is essential to tourism and many other industries that our region supports.
“We also want to see improved roads, boardwalks, amenities, general utilities, trails, tracks and signage in our National Parks.”
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Communications Consultant Liz Inglis
M: 0419 643 494 | E: [email protected]