QTS - Foreword

Foreword - Queensland Premier and the Queensland Tourism Minister

The Queensland Tourism Strategy heralds a bold new era for the industry in this State.

The Strategy is the first long-term vision for one of our largest industries, developed following the most comprehensive consultation phase the industry has seen, with input from around 1,000 industry, government and external representatives.

This plan is unique in that it is a partnership with industry. It is the blueprint for industry prosperity and sustainable growth, guided and supported by the Queensland Government.

We thank the industry for its tremendous support since the inception of this initiative and its positive contribution throughout the consultation phase.

The Queensland Government understands that the Smart State’s tourism industry is critical to our future prosperity. Tourism is our third largest export earner, generates domestic and international visitor expenditure of over $18.4 billion and employs almost 140,000 Queenslanders.

The Queensland Tourism Strategy identifies our challenges and opportunities and shows the way forward. It includes goals and targets, is based on a number of themes and contains practical action plans for each theme.

As a government, we are excited about the benefits that will flow from this Strategy and look forward to continuing to work with the tourism industry towards a bright future.

Foreword - QTIC Chairman

On behalf of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC)and our industry partners, I want to thank Minister Keech for instigating and championing this important strategic planning process and for engaging QTIC on behalf of the industry to work with a very consultative, collaborative and hardworking Queensland Tourism Strategy team sourced from the Department of Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development and Tourism Queensland.

I am sure it is with some relief that this comprehensive document is now complete. A very considerable amount of work has been invested in the QTS’s development not only by the Queensland Government but also by the industry. Tourism operators and tourism associations have shown a strong commitment to working with the State Government throughout the consultation process with the aim being to develop a shared vision for a successful and sustainable future.

The discussions, debate and documenting are now complete. We have come to the ‘actions’ part of the exercise. The true merit of this QTS has to be demonstrated through the actions that are to be implemented over the next few years, starting now. Many of these actions depend on an investment of resources, particularly by the Government, but we believe any investment will be more than justified through commensurate potential returns to the industry and the State. QTIC and the tourism industry are strongly committed to working with the Queensland Government to make certain that outcomes delivered will prove that this QTS was a worthwhile initiative.

Do you have a QTS question?

If you would like further information or have a QTS question, please send an email to the QTS Program Manager.