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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 10 Hansard (24 September) . . Page.. 3232 ..

MR KAINE (Minister for Urban Services and Minister for Tourism) (3.32): For the information of members and pursuant to section 23 of the Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation Act 1997, I present the Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation business plan 1997-2000. I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

The Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation - created, as members will recall, on 1 July this year in a Bill put forward by this Government - was created in the interests of the local tourism industry and all Canberrans. The establishment of the corporation ensures that the ACT tourism sector is partnered by an agency which is commercially focused and which has the strategic approach to match the industry's dynamic nature.

The business plan that I have tabled reflects the commercial orientation of the corporation. It is a visionary document with strategies and key initiatives that provide an appropriate foundation for the corporation's future direction. The plan's performance measures are relevant, the targets are realistic, and the plan provides the flexibility needed to adapt to changing market forces. The corporation's commercial objectives outlined in the plan are designed to underpin the sustainable development of the local and regional tourism sectors and incorporate the tourism objectives of the ACT Government. The plan is about forming effective partnerships with the local and regional tourism industry to increase the yield and as such the profitability and job creation potential of that sector. To maximise industry input, the plan was put before the industry for comment in its conceptual stage, with the document's final seal of approval given at two industry forums.

The business plan sets out a totally integrated marketing approach, with the advertising and public relations activities of the corporation linked directly to packages offered by the new central reservation service which in turn are linked to an events calendar. Domestic and international marketing programs will continue to expand their partnership opportunities, ensuring the widest possible coverage of the ACT in markets across Australia and around the world. There is no doubt that the Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation has hit the ground running, and its very existence is a clear demonstration of this Government's honest commitment to action. A healthy local tourism industry is of direct and measurable benefit to the local economy. Most importantly, it provides jobs for young Canberrans. Mr Speaker, this plan goes a long way to achieving the Government's commitment to sustainable tourism development, a commitment that is in the interest of all Canberrans.

Debate (on motion by Mr Corbell) adjourned.

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