Statement: Sunshine Coast to host DestinationQ Forum

[ozbob]

 Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Jann Stuckey
Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Sunshine Coast to host DestinationQ Forum

The Sunshine Coast will take centre stage when Queensland's tourism industry comes together for the third annual DestinationQ Forum on 16-17 September.

The two day event will be held jointly at the Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa and the Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa, and delivers on the Government's election promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said holding this important forum on the Sunshine Coast reinforced the commitment to regional economies and growing Queensland's tourism industry.

"The DestinationQ forum has become the premier annual industry event bringing together hundreds of tourism representatives from across our great state to plan for the future," Ms Stuckey said.

"Previous DestinationQ forums have been held in other iconic tourism destinations – Cairns and the Gold Coast.

"Now it's the Sunshine Coast's turn to shine with its diverse range of attractions, facilities and natural assets for visitors and residents alike."

Ms Stuckey said our tourism industry had rebounded strongly since the implementation of the DestinationQ strategy in 2012.

"I'm pleased to say we've made considerable progress towards our goal of returning Queensland's tourism industry to number one after its neglect under the previous Labor government," she said.

"We are delivering on our commitment to tourism by working hand-in-hand with industry, reducing red tape and making the necessary changes to encourage new tourism investment and growth.

"The partnership agreements signed by the Queensland Government and Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) at the two previous DestinationQ forums have provided the framework to drive tourism forward and build a prosperous future.

"The 2014 DestinationQ forum will continue to build this partnership, focusing on the practical steps industry and government are taking to achieve the industry's long term vision.

"This year's forum will provide another opportunity for the industry to engage with government about the work we still need to do."

Member for Noosa Glen Elmes said Noosa was perfectly placed and ready to host the state's premiere annual tourism gathering.

"Noosa has an international reputation for its glorious beach and surrounding natural environment with the necessary supporting infrastructure to make any holiday complete," Mr Elmes said.

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd CEO Simon Ambrose said the event would provide a shot in the arm and an economic boost for the Sunshine Coast.

"This forum will not only bring together Government, industry leaders and operators to focus on the state's tourism sector but in a coup for the area, will also provide an opportunity to put the spotlight on the entire Sunshine Coast region from Caloundra through to Gympie," Mr Ambrose said.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) said the 2014 DestinationQ Forum is a key opportunity to highlight the economic importance of Queensland's tourism industry and build on the strong partnerships between industry and government.

"QTIC is proud to represent the wider tourism industry as we enter a third year of partnering with the Queensland Government to reposition Queensland as Australia's premium tourist destination," Mr Gschwind said.

"Tourism in Queensland directly contributes $22 billion to the state's economy and directly employs 136,000 Queenslanders. It is critical for Queensland to secure ongoing future investment and development in order to maintain the positive momentum gained in recent years.

"QTIC firmly believes the momentum of the DestinationQ partnership will continue to support tourism businesses to reach their full potential and double overnight visitor expenditure by 2020."

Registrations for the 2014 DestinationQ forum are expected to open in early May.

For updates visit www.destq.com.au.

[ENDS] 12 March 2014

[ozbob]

^ this will end well hey?  Good opportunity to highlight the plight of the Sunshine Coast Line and sustainable transport options for the future.

[Fares_Fair]

Sunshine Coast  - beautiful one day .. if only we could get there by train. #42percentarebuses