Family visits fall but more tourists call

TOURISM’S worth to the Townsville regional economy grew by 13 per cent to $ 843 million, according to the latest government figures.

Mundingburra MP and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said in a statement that the Tourism Satellite Accounts figures, from 2015- 16, highlighted the importance of the industry to Townsville.

“Tourism makes a significant economic contribution to the Townsville region, increasing 13 per cent to the year ending June 2016 to generate $ 843 million for the local economy, or 5.7 per cent of the region’s gross regional product,” Ms O’Rouke said.

“The tourism industry is a strong employer in Townsville, supporting 8300 jobs, or 7.1 per cent of the workforce, and growing 9.2 per cent in the year ending June 2016.”

Townsville Enterprise director of tourism and events Bridget Woods said that while tourism numbers had been steadily rising over the past three years, visits by families and friends was dropping.

“Business and holiday tourist figures are increasing but the numbers for visiting family and friends, however, have shown a sharp decline,” Ms Woods said.

“We are fortunate to have special people and special places in our regions and that’s really important to share with our friends and relatives.”

Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Rains said Townsville was the events capital of the region and offered a number of attractions which continued to encourage visitor numbers.

“With all the positive good news, I think we can expect to see those numbers increase,” Ms Rains said.

“It’s a shame we are losing the Bali flights because we are starting to get more well known and that was a very cost effective entry for international visitors into Australia.”

The strong rise in tourism’s value added to the positive outlook for the city, buoyed by $ 2 billion worth of major jobsproducing projects, either under way or coming on line.

TEL CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the future was positive after a long period of uncertainty.

“I acknowledge there are many unemployed and a number of businesses still hurting, but I genuinely do believe we are heading in the right direction and with a strong united focus I believe this region is on the cusp of realising something special,” she said.