Transport key to unlocking Queensland tourism’s future billions

Our Future Tourism campaign has highlighted the potential to boost the state’s economy by billions of dollars a year and create tens of thousands of jobs. But there’s one key ingredient needed to make it all possible.

QUEENSLAND has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to supercharge its tourism industry – but its success depends on fast-tracking the transport infrastructure to move millions of extra visitors around.

The Courier-Mail’s “Future Tourism” campaign over the past two weeks has highlighted the enormous potential to boost the state’s economy by billions of dollars a year and create tens of thousands of jobs over the next decade or so.

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The opening of Brisbane Airport’s second runway next year will double its ­capacity – making it bigger than Singapore’s and allowing for new routes to burgeoning Asian cities, as well as more non-stop flights to the US and, within years, Europe.

Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said: ‘Not since World Expo in 1988 has the city and state experienced such investment, energy, collaboration and enthusiasm to elevate Queensland on a national and international scale.

“If we harness our collective courage and passion, use innovative thinking, make some hard decisions and take calculated risks the opportunities will deliver incalculable benefits for decades to come.”

A new mega cruise ship terminal will open next year; more than 20 hotels are planned for the next six years, along with a wave of new investment in our iconic island resorts; the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf integrated resort and $2 billion expansion of The Star precinct on the Gold Coast will be the catalyst for a new vibrancy and a launch pad for attractions across the region.

And momentum is growing for a bid for southeast Queensland to host the 2032 Olympic Games – an unmatchable chance to shine a global spotlight on what the state has to offer.

“Never before has Queensland had such an opportunity to leverage a once in a generation investment in the state’s tourism infrastructure and experiences,” Tourism Australia CEO John O’Sullivan said.

The missing link is connectivity – the ability to move international tourists and domestic visitors quickly and smoothly between destinations and attractions, along with our own surging population.

Future Tourism concept image by city-shaping specialists Urbis

“Tourism is all about convenient access and efficient mobility between places,” Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind said.

“Residents and visitors alike expect to be able to commute and travel with ease.”

The need for efficient transport infrastructure including a rapid rail network across SEQ is the No.1 action point to emerge from the “Future Tourism” series.

The importance of such infrastructure, and the need for a City Deal agreement between all levels of government to fund and deliver it, were key targets of our previous “FutureSEQ” series.

Anja Christoffersen and Ginger Kelly Watrous on the Story Bridge, which is set to become an adventure tourism hub. Picture: Annette Dew

The federal and state governments and SEQ Council of Mayors are working through the details now, and it is imperative to realising the potential of tourism that they act urgently.

It is also crucial to another action point – making a successful bid to stage the Olympics, a decision that could be made as soon as July next year under rule changes being considered by the International Olympic Committee next week.

Queensland sits third behind NSW and Victoria in tourist numbers.

Our plan calls for government and industry to set a bold target of becoming No.1.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Leanne Coddington said: “The next decade is a truly exciting one for Queensland tourism, where we will have the opportunity to capitalise on emerging markets and further grow our already world-class offering.

“Nature-based tourism, indigenous experiences, events, unbeatable culinary experiences and new aviation routes will all play a key role in helping to grow Queensland’s market share.”