Queensland tourism bosses vow: We will pull through
Queensland’s tourism sector is facing unprecedented challenges, but industry leaders are confident the state can overcome the worst.
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QUEENSLAND tourism leaders have joined forces to issue a defiant declaration: ‘We’ll bounce back’.
With the industry facing losses of more than $500 million following the spread of the coronavirus and international travel bans – following hard on the back of drought and bushfires, tourism bosses have taken courage from Queensland’s resilient spirit and ability to overcome the odds.
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Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the state’s famous mateship and spirit would ensure the industry rebounds from the latest setbacks.
“Queenslanders are tough and in tough times we have each other’s backs,” she said.
“That is what it means to be a Queenslander.”
She issued a rallying cry to all Queenslanders to help ease the burden on tourism operators missing out on millions of dollars in lost revenue from the series of catastrophes in recent months.
“We need people not only to stay here but to play here,” she said.
“Go out at night, eat at a local restaurant, visit local tourism attractions.
“Help your mates who are doing it tough. We need to work together to get through this.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Leanne Coddington said the state’s tough climate bred tough people who could rise above the challenges.
“If there is one thing we know about the Queensland tourism industry, and Queenslanders in general, it’s that we’re incredibly resilient,” she said.
“We inspire the world to experience what we believe is the best address on earth, and we’re the custodians of some of the world’s greatest natural assets.
“Part of living here, however, is also dealing with cyclones, floods, bushfires and other natural disasters and we have a proud history of not only getting through those disasters but coming back bigger and better than before.
“Things are extremely tough at the moment but I’m confident that … the Queensland tourism industry will not only rebound but reach new heights in the future.”
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John O’Neill, chairman of The Star Entertainment Group and Queensland Airports Limited said Queenslanders embodied the best of Australian spirit.
“Australians have that wonderful history for resilience and tenacity – Queenslanders embody those qualities and always have,” he said.
“This will be no different. At The Star we want to play our part by continuing – without compromise – on our multi-billion dollar investments in this State.
“The tourism industry is hurting (and) there are challenges ahead but with all hands to the pump we can, as a community, play an important role in the recovery.”
Entertainment visionary Harvey Lister, CEO of ASM Global’s Asia-Pacific operations, said Australia’s response to the coronavirus threat gave him confidence for the future.
“We are much better off in Queensland than anywhere else in the world, frankly,” he said.
“The fact Queensland remains one of the safest destinations presents a great opportunity for Queensland and Queenslanders.”
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