)
QUEENSLAND’S struggling tourism operators today received some reprieve after the State Government approved $1.4 million in funding for events.
The amount was allocated under the Events Queensland Regional Development Program (EQRDP).
Jann Stuckey (pictured), Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, confirms the money will support 58 events including triathlons, water sports, music festivals, cultural celebrations and food and wine festivals.
“The Newman Government recognises the important role events play in attracting visitors to regional areas which, in turn, provides social and economic benefits for local communities,” she says.
“We are pleased to support a range of important events in regional Queensland as part of our goal to double the annual overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.”
Events Queensland interim CEO Kirsten Herring is convinced the funds deliver tourism benefits and promote regional destinations to a wider audience.
“These events are delivered in partnership with local communities and that collaborative effort is vital to their success,” she says.
The next EQRDP funding round closes on February 15.
)
