Queensland has experienced a significant rise in domestic travellers over the last year, a trend that is expected to improve job opportunities in the state.
Tourism Research Australia recorded 19.1 million visits to Queensland during the 2014-15 financial year, which was 6 per cent higher than the preceding 12-month period.
Kate Jones, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, said the statistics were the best the state has experienced in the domestic travel sector for 16 years. She said the data builds on impressive international visitor figures released earlier in the month.
“Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) are working in partnership with industry and regional tourism organisations on a series of destination marketing campaigns to increase travel throughout the state,” she said.
“Business-related travel also provided a boost for operators, with the number of travellers increasing 28 per cent to 4.4 million during the financial year.”
According to Ms Jones, tourism provides 230,000 people with jobs in Queensland and is a key growth area for the government. An increase in travellers to the state could also provide a boost for tourism and hospitality traineeships, as businesses look to develop a talent pipeline for the future.
Queensland builds on tourism success
On Thursday October 8 and Friday October 9, the DestinationQ forum will take place in Townsville. Hundreds of experts will converge on the city to discuss issues facing Queensland’s tourism sector.
“The forum will draw on new research about what visitors want from Queensland, with experienced speakers focusing industry and government on how Queensland will deliver on consumer expectations,” Ms Jones confirmed.
The government recently set aside $400 million for tourism projects in Queensland, as well as $100 million for the Great Barrier Reef. The natural attraction is among the state’s most popular hot spots, and the investment will go towards protecting its ecosystems.
TEQ statistics show Queensland’s primary international markets are China, the US, the UK, New Zealand and Japan. Tourism expenditure has notably risen among Chinese and American visitors, with the nations’ travellers spending 43 and 21 per cent more respectively over this financial year.
Ms Jones noted that Asian markets now make up around half of all tourism spending in Queensland. TEQ is trying to encourage more people from the continent to visit the state, with increased promotional activities in South Korea and India.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
