Forum to harmonise strategies
THE Far North’s struggling tourism industry is set to be put under the microscope at a special round table being chaired by Tourism Minister Kate Jones.
The can reveal 20 representatives from groups including Tourism Tropical North Queensland, the Cairns Airport and Cairns Regional Council will be part of a Cairns Tourism Leaders Round Table which will meet next Tuesday.
Tourism numbers have experienced a decline in recent months with misinformation about the Townsville floods believed to be a factor.
It also faces a tough year due to domestic and international economic uncertainty.
Ms Jones said it was vital tourism and government bodies were “on the same page” given the industry’s importance to the region, accounting for one in five jobs and almost 18 per cent of gross regional product.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating sustainable jobs in Tropical North Queensland – that’s what this round table is all about,” she said. DAINTREE ALERT
“It’s important that we get everyone on the same page when it comes to our strategy to grow this sector ….”
TTNQ chief executive Pip Close said the roundtable recognised the value that tourism brought to the region’s economy.
“Long-term sustainable growth of the Tropical North Queensland tourism sector is the key to our community’s prosperity,” she said.
“Bringing the community’s key stakeholders together will assist in developing a strategy for our industry to continue achieving the economic goals the destination deserves.”
Cairns MP Michael Healy described the round table as an “important step”.
Mr Healy last week threw his support behind the concept of a tourism levy to raise more funding to promote the region.
“We want to ensure that we continue to see this growth in the long term,” he said.
“The round table next week is an important step. Our partnerships with local tourism operators will be a defining factor in the sustainable growth of the Cairns tourism industry in the future.”
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning welcomed the announcement of the round table.
“This round table will open up discussion to help to get all stakeholders on the same page.” CANDIDATE QUITS PARTY