Visitors deliver a boost to business

BUSINESS tourism means big money for the region, but traditional markets such as holiday makers and grey nomads can’t be overlooked.

While Toowoomba has become better connected to southern markets and the city’s economy continues to grow, smart investment in tourism infrastructure must continue in order to maintain the growth.

“With regards to business travel, what the businesses spend per day is quite high and that has a flow-on effect to numerous other businesses,” Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Jo Sheppard said.

“Nowadays it is most businesses that realise tourism directly or indirectly benefits business.

“I think it has a significant role and you only have to look at yourself when you travel that you still have your business in the back of your mind.

“If you’re there and you see a business opportunity, the chances are you’re going to follow up when you’re back home.”

Mrs Sheppard said she had watched Toowoomba grow in the past six years into a thriving centre.

“The growth is actually visible, even if you’re just a resident in Toowoomba,” she said.

“This is my sixth year in Toowoomba and I can’t believe how much it has changed in terms of connectivity with the airport coming online.

“It all has a flow-on effect and with what is happening with tourism, the focus on the drive market is really important.

“But I also think there are new opportunities with international visitors from Asia becoming a greater reality for places like Toowoomba. We’re building on what we’ve already got.”

She said major tourism drawcards such as a chairlift from the top of the range would, in theory, boost visitor numbers.