TOURISM SPENDING BOUNCES BACK IN TROPICAL NORTH
Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said the latest data has affirmed his electorate’s standing as a top tourism destination packed full of ecotourism and adventuretourism experiences.
The latest Tourism Research Australia data reveals domestic visitor spending in Tropical North
Queensland increased 18.8 per cent over the three-year period to almost $3 billion.
Mr Dametto said it was fantastic to hear visitor spending had increased after the tourism industry came to a halt when the pandemic hit.
“The increase in visitor spend demonstrates that Tropical North Queensland is a strong competitor in terms of holiday destinations,” he said. “We are extremely lucky to live in an authentic destination with the Great Barrier Reef, Wallaman Falls, Hinchinbrook Island, Orpheus Island, the Palm Island Group, an abundance of National Parks and so much more right on our doorstep.”
The Katter’s Australian Party deputy leader said the iconic natural attractions provided visitors with unique experiences.
“That being said, nature tours, bird-watching tours, cultural experiences, foodcooking classes, boat transfers, bike trail tours and major events are all examples of investment opportunities.”
Mr Dametto said that in the Queensland Budget 2020-21, Ingham secured $600,000 for visitorinfrastructure upgrades at Wallaman Falls.
“And in this year’s Queensland Budget … Cardwell secured $191,000 in funding to support Cassowary
Coast Regional Council’s investigations into the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Network,” he said.
“We all know Hinchinbrook is a hidden gem, all we need is the State and Federal governments to invest in our priority projects ... to truly unlock tourism in the electorate.”