Tourism and Events Merger Delivers for Queensland
Queensland’s tourism industry is the big winner with the passage of the Tourism and Events Queensland Bill 2012 successfully merging Tourism Queensland and Events Queensland into TEQ (Tourism and Events Queensland).
Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey said TEQ would provide a streamlined approach to tourism and events and represented a significant step in returning Queensland to the number one tourism destination in Australia.
“There is a clear synergy between Tourism Queensland’s role and the role of Events Queensland to work together to entice visitors to Queensland,” Ms Stuckey said.
Ms Stuckey said the Newman Government was continuing to deliver on its commitments to the state’s tourism industry.
“This legislation ensures all efforts to attract visitors and events are focused on achieving the best results and the best value for money for Queensland taxpayers,” she said.
Tourism industry heavyweights congratulated the Government on the legislation.
The State’s peak body for tourism, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) expects TEQ to provide a more solid basis for tourism.
QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the new body would be more effective and competitive in attracting visitors to the state.
“We welcome the Queensland Government’s determination to ‘get the job done’ and capture the tourism potential for the communities of Queensland,” he said.
Tourism & Transport Forum Chief Executive John Lee said the merger should bring benefits for marketing campaigns.
“This will foster greater integration of events promotion and tourism marketing, alerting a broader audience to the activities and attractions that Queensland has to offer.
“While there will be synergies in combining the two organisations, it is vital the capabilities and marketing budgets are maintained.”
Ms Stuckey said the creation of Tourism and Events Queensland was the best way to maximise domestic and international visitor markets and help achieve the LNP’s goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.
“The Newman Government has moved quickly to get our tourism industry back on track, to restore confidence and boost visitation.
“TEQ will chart a new direction for our industry and create new opportunities.”
Source: Accommodation Association of Australia, 4 December 2012
