New dark sky experiences and light-foot accommodation options are among a plan to deliver 45 new ecotourism options and double the value of visitor expenditure in Queensland by 2045.
Premier David Crisafulli said a new 20-year vision for Queensland tourism, Destination 2045, would provide a roadmap to boost the State’s industry and leverage opportunities for the lead up and legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Premier Crisafulli said a key focus of the plan would be kick-starting ecotourism, with an aim to deliver 45 new ecotourism experiences by 2045, including new dark sky tourism experiences, light footprint accommodation and agritourism.
He said the first “45X45” projects would be the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island; the Wangetti Trail, north of Cairns; the Whitsunday Skyway in Airlie Beach; the Ngaro Trail on Whitsunday Island, and upgrades of day use areas in Lake Eacham and Springbrook National Park.
“Queensland will become Australia’s events and ecotourism capital, delivering more ways for locals and visitors to experience and travel around our great State.”
Premier Crisafulli said Destination 2045 aimed to more than double the value of visitor expenditure to Queensland’s economy to $84 billion in two decades, while employing 25 percent more Queenslanders directly.
He said a new dedicated events fund would support Queensland’s vision to be Australia’s home of events, across sports, concerts and culture, including in the regions.
“The plan builds on tourism’s critical role in Queensland’s economy, which currently supports more than 270,000 jobs and generates $115m a day in visitor expenditure.”
Premier Crisafulli said the plan would launch Queensland as a global tourist destination over the next 20 years, maximising the opportunity of the 2032 Games.
“Destination 2045 is our 20-year plan to make Queensland the leading holiday destination in the nation.
“We are the home of the holiday and Destination 2045 will build on our existing strengths to deliver the best events, ecotourism and experiences.”
He said Destination 2045 had six strategic priorities, including:
- 45X45: Supporting 45 new ecotourism experiences by 2045, delivering more experiences in nature and showcasing the state’s natural assets.
- Making Queensland Australia’s event capital: Attracting world-class events for locals and visitors.
- Connecting Queensland: A new fund to attract direct flights to new markets, including India, and boosting connections to regional Queensland.
- More experiences: Partnering with industry and targeted investment, including rejuvenating the Great Barrier Reef islands.
- Home of the holiday: Bringing in more visitors through world-class marketing.
- A big boost for tourism operators: Streamlining regulation to empower Queensland tourism businesses to modernise and thrive.
