Page 1727 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The ACT has developed its own tourism 2020 strategy which aligns with the national strategy and aims to grow the value of tourism in the territory to $2.5 billion by 2020. The key areas of focus for the territory include investment in destination marketing activities that drive visitation from domestic and international markets, supporting increased international aviation access and also focusing on low cost domestic carriers, growing the digital capability of the industry, supporting major events, business events and education tourism, encouraging investment in infrastructure and reducing regulatory burdens, and encouraging new product and experience development.
These are the right policy settings and the right program settings. There is a cooperative approach amongst tourism industry partners in the ACT visitor economy. We certainly expect to see continued growth in the tourism sector. We note the impact of public sector cuts has certainly been felt by the airport, and indeed by those engaged in business travel, but there is some hope now that the worst is behind us in relation to public sector travel.
The airport group are certainly continuing to invest and are partnering with the territory government in relation to expanding the aviation sector of our economy. I was very pleased to sign a new MOU with the airport. We will continue to work closely with them to develop our tourism sector. That is an encouraging part of future tourism growth for the territory.
We also note the importance of our higher education sector and its growth in continuing to attract international students to our city. There is a very strong indication that there is a correlation between the number of international students in our city and visits from parents, siblings, family and friends to those students whilst they are studying in Canberra. The visiting friends and relatives market is indeed very important for us, and the evidence is there that our campaigns are working to grow that sector of our tourism business.
Overall it is a very positive outlook for our city. The announcement on Monday of the 12 surrounding New South Wales councils signing up to the Canberra region brand is a very strong vote of confidence in the direction, the marketing approach and the regional opportunities that present themselves for tourism. So, despite the scepticism, the negativity and the carping of the longest serving shadow treasurer in the history of the commonwealth, we are seeing very strong engagement from the region, and a great deal of excitement and interest in the tourism sector to partner with the territory government.
I note there was even a small initiative or two contained within the regional development document in the federal budget last night to further support the development of our wine industry. That is welcomed, and we look forward to working with the Canberra District Wine Industry Association to further promote their excellent product as part of a very strong regional food and wine offering.
There is reason to be optimistic, Madam Deputy Speaker. Those of us who have a view on and a passion for this city will continue to talk it up. Those opposite seem to be interested only in tearing down the good work that is occurring and casting a very negative pall over what is a very positive sector for the ACT economy, one that will
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video