$3 million boost for Queensland’s tourism destinations

Queensland’s 13 regional tourism organisations (RTOs) can apply for a share of $3 million in additional funding for projects that will help boost the industry’s future.

Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey said the funds were in addition to the $4 million in core funding available for RTOs in 2013-14.

“The funding arrangement was developed in partnership with the post-DestinationQ working group, Ms Stuckey said.

“RTOs will receive $4 million in core funding for the 2013/14 financial year and an additional $3 million will be available in contestable funds for projects across Queensland to increase local tourism and provide new tourism experiences.

“We promised we would work in partnership with the industry to deliver the best outcomes for tourism and this new funding model shows we are taking positive action.

“RTOs are at the frontline of the tourism industry which is why the Newman Government doubled the annual funding available for RTOs to $7 million.

“Projects vying for contestable funding must be innovative, future-focused proposals that can include cooperative marketing, product development, market intelligence or trade events projects that are linked to DestinationQ outcomes.

“The projects must also contribute to our goal of increasing annual overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.”

Ms Stuckey said approved projects would have their funding contributions matched at least dollar for dollar by the State Government.

“In submitting applications, I encourage RTOs to collaborate with local government, local tourism organisations and industry to strengthen their proposed projects,” she said.

“In 2012 almost 50 applications for the contestable grants were received.”

The RTO Contestable Grant Scheme is administered by Tourism and Events Queensland.

Guidelines are available from TEQ with applications closing on 11 April.

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