Tourism spending boost to economy

TOURISM spending across Southern Queensland Country is up 42%, according to the latest Tourism Research Australia data.

This record high for the region means travellers pumped $733 million in overnight expenditure into the local economy, a significant boost.

Southern Queensland Country Tourism CEO Mary-Clare Power said while overall Queensland tourism expenditure was up a very healthy 5.8%, Southern Queensland Country enjoyed seven times the state growth figure.

“In the year to March, the total nights spent in the region are also up 15.7% and the number of overnight visitors grew 3.1 % to 1.9m,” she said.

“Travellers might pack up and go home but what they leave behind is a huge boost to our local economy.”

Tourism Darling Downs CEO Ruth Wetmore said it was about utilising the spectacular assets the region already had to offer.

“The region already has so many spectacular assets in accommodation, hiking trails, parks, events and dining options,” she said.

“It is not about the need for huge development but about raising the bar on what we already have.

“It is also about making sure what we have is presented in a consistent way.

“For example, we are known for having great food and wine so we can’t allow people to have ordinary dining experiences.

“If we continue to advertise and work on developing our assets our tourism numbers will continue to grow.”

Ms Wetmore said she was open to working with all other tourism bodies.

“I am absolutely in support of working together and lining up with every tourism body in the region because we aren’t in competition, we are all working towards the same goal of boosting tourism numbers,” she said.

The figures supported a wave of good news for the region including Wednesday’s announcement of a three-year partnership with Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Ridgemill Estate owner Martin Cooper said his winery and boutique accommodation business at Severnlea had a strong first six months of 2017.

Mr Cooper said visitor spending figures confirmed the trend of guests who were keen to support the local economy.

“They’re particularly keen to buy local, so they love supporting the neighbouring cheese providers and olive growers as well as dining out in cafes in the region.”