Looking towards 2032

AN EXPERT panel has delivered 75 recommendations to position Queensland as Australia’s destination of choice for domestic and global visitors by 2032.

The Towards 2032 – Action Plan for Tourism Recovery findings handed down by the panel this week are designed to be a comprehensive 10-year strategy to reshape Queensland’s visitor economy in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic Games, with eco tourism development taking centre stage of the vision.

Recommendations to accelerate the growth in eco attractions include much greater investment to establish world-class national park infrastructure, such as hiking trails, mountain bike trails, expert guides, and more overnight accommodation options.

The creation of a funding stream specific to incentivising eco tourism projects as part of the state’s Destination Development Fund was also put forward.

Qld’s Tourism Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe, confirmed that $66.4 million had been baked into its latest state budget over three years to respond to the panel’s findings, concurring with its advice that funding must go beyond recovery and towards a longer-term growth strategy.

“It sets ambitious goals because Queensland needs to be bold to achieve long-term success, or risk being left behind,” he said.

“Some of the recommendations are ambitious and will need further consideration and consultation with the tourism industry,” Hinchliffe added.

Other tourism directives from the panel included enhancing beach and coastal offerings, increasing Qld’s appeal to students and families, creating more touring opportunities, being more active in the marine and adventure space, and becoming a regenerative tourism leader.

Access was another key area for improvement, with the panel noting a need to develop more air routes, drive destinations, rail and cruise services, which will be essential to visitor dispersal.

Read the full report here.