Marines a shot in arm for growth
ECONOMIC benefits are expected to flow into local Townsville businesses when hundreds of US Marines visit the region for training.
Townsville Enterprise Tourism and Events Director Bridget Woods said the economic impact of the visit would be “substantial”.
“We know that when the US Marines have time they’ll be looking for rest and relaxation opportunities, which may include the retail sector or food and beverage options in the city,” she said. “They may even choose to take a break on Magnetic Island.”
The Bulletin yesterday revealed about 200 US Marines will be based in Townsville from next month for training.
Ms Woods said the North Queensland region had a “great affiliation and love” for the US military.
“We know that they will be embraced when they come and visit again this time,” she said.
Ms Woods said Townsville residents should be “looking forward” to the visit.
“When people visit they always leave surprised and delighted by the warm, authentic nature of the city, and we expect that the Marines’ experiences will be no different.”
She said the more steps the city took to make the US visitors welcome, the greater the flow- on effect to the economy.
“The promising thing about this visit is that it’s a long period of time so the Marines will have more opportunities to really uncover what the region has to offer,” she said. “We encourage everybody to put on their best friendly faces.”