Australian Government: Government’s $180M fund to boost Queensland tourism

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said with record numbers of visitors spending more money in Queensland, there was an opportunity to capitalise on this growth.

"The time is right for the government, working with industry, to push into new tourism markets and invest in innovative tourism experiences to increase our market share and grow our $25 billion tourism industry," she said.

Ms Jones said the government's record $180 million tourism spend includes $48.6 million Attracting Tourism Fund and the $46 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Experience Development Program which incorporates $10 million for Outback tourism infrastructure.

"This investment is a game changer for Queensland's tourism industry," she said.

"We're focused on partnering with operators to deliver new tourism infrastructure in Queensland.

"We know that the new generation of visitors are looking for unique experiences - that's what we need to deliver if we're to stay ahead of the curve.

"As part of our Regional Tourism Infrastructure program, we're working to deliver new ecotourism experiences that will give Queensland regions a point of difference.

"This includes $950,000 to support a business case and detailed designs for the proposed Wangetti Trail in Far North Queensland."

Ms Jones said improving access to Queensland's key visitor destinations was another important part of the government's strategy to boost tourism.

"We're continuing to partner with airlines to attract more direct flights to Queensland.

"We've got the runs on the board - we've secured more than two million additional airline seats into Queensland since February 2015, injecting an estimated $1.7 billion in additional overnight visitor expenditure into the Queensland economy.

Tourism experience and development experts from across various government departments will be engaged to work with industry to ensure Queensland gains the best results from the program.