Jones bullish on tourism
STATE Tourism Minister Kate Jones is bullish about the Gold Coast’s ability to turn around a concerning trend for lagging visitor spend.
Statistics show ongoing dips in foreign visitor spend despite tourist numbers climbing to record levels. Domestic visitor spend is increasing but lagging behind the rate of growth in tourist numbers.
Earlier this month, it prompted Gold Coast-based Federal Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo to say he was concerned at the country’s visitor capital losing market share.
State Tourism Minister Kate Jones waded into the debate yesterday during a Gold Coast visit, saying she had confidence in city tourism leaders and the $3 billion worth of ongoing investment in future high-end accommodation and tourism infrastructure.
New attractions like Movie World’s $30m DC Rivals HyperCoaster – the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest rollercoaster – were also “critical”.
“Importantly we are still attracting people here at numbers unseen before in terms of Australians coming and also international guests,” she said.
“I do note the figures around spend but that’s why new investment in infrastructure and opportunities to stay on the Gold Coast longer and spend more money are critical.
“When we have more higher-end accommodation you are going to attract higher-end spenders.”
New five-star accommodation at Broadbeach’s The Star precinct next to “world class” shopping at Pacific Fair would be “a game changer” for international spending”, she said.
“Having just been to China recently where my bags got lost, I had to go shopping.
“It put it into perspective for me because we can take Pacific Fair for granted. But it’s world class and you just can’t shop like that in China.”
Ms Jones said boosting visitor spend would be among hot topics during a statewide industry get-together she was attending yesterday afternoon.
“Our research shows if you want people to stay and spend more you need to invest in new and better experiences and that is certainly what we are working with industry on.”