Tourism top of mind for Southern Gold Coast businesses

15 Jan 2015 12:52 PMMichael Hart

 

Tourism top of mind for Southern Gold Coast businesses

 

Tourism operators on the Southern Gold Coast have welcomed an ongoing commitment by the Newman LNP Government to grow the sector and increase visitor numbers.

 

Burleigh MP Michael Hart said Tourism is vital to support jobs and grow the local economy in the region.

 

“The LNP moved quickly to turn the tourism industry around, to restore confidence and boost visitation,” Mr. Hart said.

 

 “We understand small business and employees in a range of sectors rely on the tourist dollar and we want to continue our strong progress.

 

Mr Hart said data released last year showed that 27,000 new jobs have been created in tourism, with the sector growing by $3.5 billion. 

 

“Today, along with Tourism Minister, Jann Stuckey, I have spoken with local tourism operators to discuss the importance of the industry and outlined the Newman LNP’s ongoing commitment.

 

“We will work hard to bring more visitors to experience Burleigh and the Southern Coast’s sensational attractions.

 

“It is no surprise to locals Burleigh beach was voted number 3 on the 2014 Experience Oz Australian best beaches list and number 5 on Trip Advisor’s 2014 best Australian beaches list.

 

“Only the LNP has a strong plan to capitalize on this by partnering with industry to grow tourism for the benefit of small businesses and residents in Burleigh.”

 

Currumbin MP and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and The Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, joined Michael Hart during a discussion with local tourism operators.

 

“It’s great to hear local business operators are reporting positive tourism figures as a result of this government’s commitment to this key pillar of the Queensland economy,” Ms. Stuckey said.

 

“Over the 2014 Christmas holiday period accommodation providers have reported occupancy rates above 95%.  This is on top of record international visitor expenditure of $4.1 billion this past year.

 

“Of that figure a staggering $1 billion was spent by international visitors on the Gold Coast.

 

“The Southern Gold Coast stands to benefit from increased aviation capacity at the Gold Coast International Airport and we are working hard to bring even more inbound flights through our Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.

 

“Unlike Labor, who still have no plan for Tourism, this government has developed a 20 year tourism plan and we will continue to grow the industry as one of the four pillars of Queensland’s economy.

 

Burleigh Beach Tower Manager, Peter Crymble welcomed the LNP’s support for the local industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Our businesses are reliant on the tourist dollar and it’s encouraging to see Mr. Hart and Ms. Stuckey working so closely with the local industry.” Mr Crymble said.

 

“Attracting more visitors to the Southern Gold Coast is vital for the local economy and to support jobs for locals. “

 

[ENDS] 15 January 2015 Media Contact – 3719 7252