Minister promises plan

TOURISM Minister Kate Jones has moved to reassure Queensland’s battered tourism businesses that a “back to work” plan will soon be unveiled for the $13 billion industry.

Her pledge comes after tourism operators called on the Palaszczuk Government to prioritise a road map to recovery as the lifeblood industry reels from coronavirus losses estimated at $6.5 billion as well as thousands of lost jobs.

Operators have told the Bulletin it would take weeks to prepare for the mammoth task of reopening.

Ms Jones said the Govern ment was working with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council to “fast-track” the COVID-19 comeback in the key sectors of accommodation, aviation, casinos, pubs and clubs, food and beverage, events and experiences.

“Our focus is on giving tourism operators and businesses clear advice and the guidelines they need to reopen their businesses safely when they’re allowed to reopen their doors,” Ms Jones said.

Ms Jones said Tourism and Events Queensland was already working on a series of campaigns to promote Queensland once further restrictions were lifted.

Queensland Tourism In

dustry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind revealed the peak industry body had followed the lead of the country’s two largest football codes by employing an independent health expert to consult on back-towork plans.

An industry-led QTIC working group will guide the development of the tourism plans.