Council of Mayors talks tourism

SOUTH East Queensland mayors and councillors have acknowledged the role that governments, tourism organisations and operators must play to strengthen tourism.

Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent

SOUTH East Queensland mayors and councillors have acknowledged the joint role that local and state governments, regional tourism organisations and tourism operators must play to strengthen the tourism industry.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) deputy chairman John Brent said Friday's Regional Tourism Roundtable was a valuable exercise.

"Today was a great opportunity to bring together a variety of players in the tourism industry and draw on the knowledge and expertise that exists in our region," said Cr Brent.

"Tourism is a key element in strengthening economic development in SEQ and local government, state government, regional tourism organisations and tourism operators all have an important role to play.

"It is clear that we have a wealth of unique experiences throughout the SEQ region; arts, culture and heritage, events, adventure tourism, nature and food and wine to name a few.

"We have a wonderfully diverse tourism location but we need to be well coordinated in our approach."

Cr John Brent said it was important to recognise our strengths in the tourism sector.

"SEQ is a well recognised ecotourism location," said Cr Brent.

"Fifty-five per cent of Queensland ecotourism operators are in the SEQ region; this presents a fantastic opportunity to build on our strengths."

Key actions from the roundtable included:

• a regional events strategy to provide a coordinated approach to showcasing the region
• ensuring that local government is not an impediment to the development of local tourism ventures
• expanding local tourism opportunities to regional opportunities, such as a regional food and wine trail
• better access to national parks.
   

Originally published as Council of Mayors talks tourism