Gold Coast tourism boss savages major parties for lack of interest in vital industry pre-poll

GOLD Coast Tourism boss Martin Winter has smashed both sides of politics in the lead-up to Saturday’s election for taking the industry for granted.

Gold Coasters escape the Hot weather , Crowds pictured at Surfers Paradise beach . Picture Mike Batterham

GOLD Coast Tourism boss Martin Winter has smashed both sides of Queensland politics in the lead-up to Saturday’s poll for taking the vital industry for granted.

Mr Winter said yesterday the “industry was completely underwhelmed” with the promises made by both parties.

“Queensland has experienced a significant decline in market share over three years,” he said.

“Unless funding is increased for the industry, we can expect more of the same in coming years.

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“The Gold Coast is batting above its weight but only because of the enormous investment that the industry is putting into marketing its own product.”

Gold Coast Tourism boss Martin Winter.

Mr Winter said the $40 million pledge from the ALP for Tourism and Events Queensland would not even fill the hole left by the Government’s budget cuts.

“That is $10 million a year for four years from the ALP after the Government cut TEQ’s budget by $20 million (a year),” he said.

Mr Winter also criticised the ALP for including a $100 million commitment to the Great Barrier Reef in its tourism policy.

“This funding … will not attract one more visitor to Queensland,” he said.

Mr Winter said the industry was “bitterly disappointed” by the LNP’s counter offer, which so far centred on a $60 million tourism fund to attract more films and events to Queensland.

“We were bitterly disappointed that they couldn’t have come up with something that shows a deeper depth of understanding about what the industry needs — despite being in government for three years,” he said.

“That fund could prove to be a great help, provided the lion’s share goes to event attraction.

“If it goes to film and television however, the impact will be minimal.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind, who was not even sure how much of the $60 million fund would be in addition to the current TEQ budget, said the industry was hoping for more from the LNP and ALP.

“Additional investment is required if we are going to compete with states like NSW and Victoria,” he said.

“The parties have delivered part of what we hope.

“But we believe we could get a better result with more investment.”

Key election promises for tourism

LNP

$60M film and events fund

$20M for rest stops and road signs

ALP

$40M boost to TEQ budget over 4 years

Appoint a senior member of Cabinet as Tourism Minister