Positive tourist tally
Warning that numbers are down in 2019
TOURISM data released today shows Cairns has experienced a growth in holiday-makers, but a business leader says any gains have been lost by an international slump in the marketplace.
Austrade’s Regional Tourism Satellite Accounts data from 2017-18 has shown tourism has contributed more than $3 million in Gross Regional Product (GRP) to the Far North economy, supporting more than 28,000 jobs.
This represents a 12.4 per cent growth in GRP and 13 per cent growth in jobs yearon-year, according to the Queensland Government.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the figures emphasised the important role tourism played in the region.
“More tourists means more jobs,” she said.
“That’s why we’re working so hard to grow this sector.
“Today’s data shows our strategy is working.”
She said the government was working with the industry to deliver the best experiences for consumers, invest in new attractions and infrastructure, and grow aviation access into Queensland.
“We are also continuing to build our calendar of events, supporting existing events that we know attract visitors and bringing new events exclusively to Queensland,” she said.
“Over the last five years, we’ve more than doubled the value of Queensland’s events calendar.
“It continues to grow and next year will generate $880 million for our state.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said while the data had shown the region had experienced growth in its tourism during 2017-18, he did not believe it had persisted this year.
“We’re not seeing a 12 per cent increase on the ground this year,” he said.
“The data picked up a period when we were growing, certainly more than we are now.
“Australia is also experiencing a slowdown in its market from China.”
Cairns MP Michael Healy said the data demonstrated the resilience of the region’s economy, in the face of floods and drought.
“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world,” he said.
“Who wouldn’t want to visit Cairns?”