Tourism leader welcomes action plan for recovery

Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT) has welcomed this week’s release of the Towards 2032 - Action Plan for Tourism Recovery, which makes 75 key recommendations to government to ensure the tourism industry’s long-term success.

The peak tourism body for the Moreton Bay Region is buoyed by the State Government’s announcement of a broad range of funding commitments in the 2022-23 State Budget.

Tourism, Innovation and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says the Budget has allocated $66.4 million across three years to respond to action plan.

“The expert panel’s final action plan, released on June 21, is a 10-year strategy for industry and government to reshape Queensland’s visitor economy,” Mr Hinchliffe says.

“It sets ambitious goals because Queensland needs to be bold to achieve long-term success, or risk being left behind. The tourism industry reference panel goes beyond pandemic recovery to create an industry-led blueprint for growth.

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

Industry feedback on the action plan will inform the development of the State Government’s longer-term response and tourism strategy, Toward Tourism 2032.

MBRIT Tourism and Investment General Manager Oriana Wyrozebska says funding for six areas, in particular, would support growth in the tourism industry.

These include:

• $20m over three years for Queensland Music Trails;
• $15m over two years for Tourism Experience Development Fund;
• $39.1m over four years, with $12.6m per annum ongoing for small business support;
• $2.9m over two years (from 2021-22) to continue the COVID-19 Small Business Financial Counselling Service and the Queensland Tourism Business Counselling Service;
• $5.3m over two years for the Maritime Infrastructure Program;
• $100.6m in additional funding over two years for Training and Future Skills Investment.

“MBRIT looks forward to working closely with government and our local industry to see the funding reach our region, and ensure Moreton Bay is positioned and ready to take advantage of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics,” Ms Wyrozebska says.

Planning for the future

The 2022-23 Budget will fund immediate measures to start future-proofing Queensland’s visitor economy, including $4 million over two years for First Nations Tourism and $20 million over three years for Queensland Music Trails, Mr Hinchliffe says.

“Visitors come to Queensland to enjoy our great lifestyle and the 2022-23 Budget will help protect and enhance our iconic assets while building a stronger, post-pandemic tourism industry, including $15 million over two years for the Tourism Experience Development Fund,” he says.

A two-year, $22 million commitment in the Budget will support priority ecotourism and cultural attractions, including support to rebuild Binna Burra Lodge.

The Act Eco initiative receives $5 million to activate low-impact ecotourism infrastructure near state forests, timber reserves and national parks.

Mr Hinchliffe says the government will also enhance tourism opportunities near Lamington National Park and support the expansion of Caboolture’s Abbey Museum and the Abbey Medieval Festival.

The 2022-23 Budget will continue to back Australia’s biggest international aviation attraction fund.

“Our nation-leading $200 million partnership with Queensland’s four international airports and industry aims to land 5.3 million airline seats over the next year and generate $4 billion for Queensland tourism operators,” Mr Hinchliffe says.

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