RSS 
Related objects
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
World video travel guide
Agri-Food Tourism Investment In North Queensland
The Australian Government is helping Tropical North Queensland diversify its regional tourism industry with a $446,010 TQUAL tourism grant to improve the distribution of fresh tropical produce.
The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, is in Cairns today to launch the “Taste Paradise” brand as part of a TQUAL Grants project that was announced in 2009 and is aimed at positioning North Queensland as an emerging tropical agri-food destination.
Tropical North Queensland now has a branding and marketing strategy based around regional food. The research, action plans and capacity-building as part of this project are integral to the success of the scheme.
“There is clearly latent demand for tropical agri-food attractions – previous studies have shown that,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Visitors want the whole experience of Tropical North Queensland, and that includes its unique produce.
“More and more farmers are embracing tourism. We have an opportunity to offer authentic, unique experiences, and this project will help to capitalise on the tropical agri-food theme.”
Just over four million visitors came to Tropical North Queensland last financial year. Between them, they spent $2.6 billion.
“Natural disasters give proactive measures more urgency,” Minister Ferguson said.
“That’s why the Australian and Queensland Governments teamed up to support the state’s tourism industry in the wake of Cyclone Yasi and the widespread flooding.
“Of the $12 million support package, domestic and international marketing has received the lion’s share. This includes the campaign telling Australians that Queensland is open for business.
“A mega familiarisation brought 200 overseas and domestic media to some of our top destinations. Meanwhile Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar and some 650 operators offered deals through Queensland.com.
“We’ll have to wait for the figures, but anecdotal reports suggest the speed of these campaigns has made a real difference to forward bookings, not least over Easter.”
The Australian Government has committed an additional $40 million to TQUAL Grants over four years. The current round is closed for applications and the next round will open in early 2012.
