Qld: New tourism lobby group makes election wish list

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2001
Qld: New tourism lobby group makes election wish list

BRISBANE, Feb 1 AAP - Queensland's new tourism industry group has called on the major
parties in the state election to make a commitment to boost tourism marketing.

Queensland Tourism Industry Corporation (QTIC) manager Daniel Gschwind (Gschwind) said
today tourism had been overlooked in the election, despite generating 8.3 per cent of
the state's gross product and creating 130,000 jobs.

"In the lead-up to the state election we are asking the Labor, Liberal and National
parties to give the tourism industry the support it deserves," Mr Gschwind said in a statement.

"Tourism is worth more to this state's economy than agriculture, fishing and forestry
exports put together, but tourism receives less government support than those industries."

Mr Gschwind said total funding for the state government's tourism marketing arm Tourism
Queensland (TQ) has fallen $4.2 million since 1998/99.

"At the same time, global competition for the tourism dollar has accelerated and new
destinations have emerged," he said.

"The plunging Australian dollar has drastically eroded the buying power of our marketing
dollar overseas."

QTIC, born out of the demise late last year of the industry lobby group, Tourism Council
Australia, wants a 25 per cent increase in funding for TQ and the Queensland Events Corporation.

It was also seeking an additional $35,000 for each of the state's 14 regional tourism
organisations.

"A stronger tourism industry means more jobs for Queenslanders, a stronger economy
for the state and the avenue for regional development," Mr Gschwind said.

AAP ch/sc/maur/br

KEYWORD: POLLQLD TOURISM

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.