Those seeking tourism apprenticeships on the Gold Coast will be encouraged to hear Queensland has remained the top destination for long holidays, with the Gold Coast named the most preferred location.
Locals will be well aware of the stunning weather and endless beaches that draw millions of tourists to the Gold Coast each year. According to Roy Morgan Research, sand and sunshine in Queensland has defeated “inner-city cool” in Victoria, as the Gold Coast edged out Melbourne for the number one spot.
The latest Roy Morgan Holiday Tracking Survey, released on April 14, found 9 per cent of Australians aged over 14 (1.7 million people) chose the Gold Coast as the destination they would prefer to visit for three or more nights. In comparison, 8.4 per cent (1.6 million) named Melbourne as their top spot.
However, it’s not just the Gold Coast promoting Queensland’s advantages as a tourist destination, according to Roy Morgan Research International Director of Tourism, Travel & Leisure, Jane Ianniello.
“In fact, Queensland boasts half of Australia’s Top 10 preferred long-holiday destinations, hardly surprising when we consider all it has to offer holiday visitors: reliably warm weather; stunning beach destinations; world-famous coral reef; and ancient rainforests,” Ms Ianniello explained in a media release.
These popular Queensland tourist spots included Tropical North Queensland (6.4 per cent), the Sunshine Coast (5.4 per cent), the Whitsundays (4.7 per cent) and Brisbane (4 per cent).
The future of Queensland tourism
Tourism across Queensland is expected to continue to perform strongly over the coming years due to popular events, such as the Commonwealth Games, landing on our shores.
A wide range of tourists are being catered for within the local industry, including those interested in fine food, leisure activities and sporting events.
In particular, Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey announced Brisbane will host its first ever rugby league Four Nations international double-header in October this year.
With more than six thousand interstate and overseas fans expected to descend on Brisbane for the event, Ms Stuckey forecast visitor expenditure will grow locally by at least $4 million this year.
“Support for events like the Rugby League Four Nations tournament is part of our plan to double annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020,” she explained in an April 10 media release.
As the state’s tourism industry continues to grow, the sector should be able offer more opportunities for employment and apprenticeships in Queensland, creating significant economic benefits.
By Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinator
