The tourism industry delivers very significant economic benefits to our national, state and territory and regional economies.
Labor understands that a thriving tourism industry is vital to our regions; it creates and sustains jobs, drives investment in infrastructure and increases the quality of life for communities across Australia.
In the year ending March 2019 – approximately 2.8 million domestic and international visitors explored Tropical North Queensland’s local attractions, experiencing all this great region has to offer.
During their stay both domestic and international visitors spent on average approximately $1,195, ensuring the ongoing importance of this industry to the Tropical North Queensland region.
Tourism is a major growth sector and it is vital we unlock its full potential.
Issues such as the skills shortage, which is resulting in seven out of ten tourism employers experiencing skills deficiencies in their workforce, prevent these businesses from fully realising the many economic benefits of the industry.
It is for this reason that we are in Cairns today to talk to local operators about how we can ensure the industry receives the support it deserves from Government.
Tourism is important to Cairns, important to the region and important to Labor.
The Government need to do more and invest in local and regional tourism recognising its importance as a job creator.