Olympic boost for Indigenous tourism

By Grantlee Kieza,

Industry Reporter

The Queensland Government will devote $4 million to boosting the Indigenous tourism sector ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Accounting firm KPMG predicts that the Games could be worth up to $17.6 billion to Australia over 20 years, along with creating more than 120,000 full-time jobs. The plan is to boost indigenous tourism experiences in the lead-up to the global event that will draw hundreds of thousands of international visitors.

And Far North Queensland, brutalised during the pandemic, is tipped to benefit greatly. The State Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said Far North Queensland’s tourism recovery was underway. “Over recent months, the Cairns visitor economy has been showing good signs of recovery with overseas visitors also starting to return,” Mr Healy said. “Developing more high quality Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural experiences will benefit tourism across the region. “The more unique and diverse our world-class tourism experiences, the more visitors will extend their stay and support local jobs.” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $4 million First Nations Tourism Package would build on the state’s current Indigenous tourism sector to deliver even more unique experiences for tourists. “What we want to do in the lead up to the Olympics is to grow our First Nations tourism experience across the State,” the Premier said.

“If someone has a small company or a good idea, we are going to help build that capacity. “They can grow and employ more people and be ready in 10 years when people come from all around the world, wanting to experience everything that Queensland has to offer.”

The Premier said that experiences such as the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks conducted by the local Indigenous people at Mossman Gorge were “nation-leading”. “With more First Nations tourism offerings throughout our state, we know we can build on this industry into the future,” she said.

The Premier said the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games would create strong interest in Queensland over the next decade, especially among overseas travellers wanting to experience Indigenous cultures.

“It’s important that we take full advantage of the golden decade that will come with the 2032 Games,” the Premier said.

“This funding injection will help to grow the industry, boost the economy, create jobs for Indigenous Queenslanders and enrich Australian and international visitors with First Nations culture and country.”

The increased funding for that sector of Queensland tourism comes as experienced pilots and cabin crew from domestic and international airlines are lining up to join new start-up budget carrier Bonza, which will have a base on the Sunshine Coast.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

Bonza CEO and co-founder Tim Jordan told the Australian Aviation website that he was on the hunt for hundreds of staff ahead of its planned inaugural flights later this year and that demand for jobs at Bonza has exceeded expectations. “We have applicants from all sorts of backgrounds,” Mr Jordan said.

“Some who lost their jobs during COVID, some existing team members from other airlines, and some who were stationed at airlines overseas and are now looking for an opportunity to take a role back home.”

In late March, Bonza began advertising for more than 200 pilots and cabin crew to man its initial fleet of five 737 MAX jets. Roles were on offer at both of Bonza’s aircraft bases, on the Sunshine Coast and in Melbourne.

Rival airline Virgin also announced it will be the first Australian airline with a direct flight from the Gold Coast to Bali. The new service will begin from March 29 next year. Meanwhile, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has begun a search for its next Chief Executive Officer.

The recruitment search follows a decision by current CEO Leanne Coddington to step down late this year after leading TEQ for nine years.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk thanked Ms Coddington for her contribution to Queensland’s tourism industry.

“Leanne Coddington has skilfully supported Queensland tourism operators through the once-in-a-lifetime challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Premier said.

“As CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland, Ms Coddington has overseen many innovative marketing campaigns to champion Queensland holiday destinations to Australia and the world.

“Ms Coddington’s decision follows the remarkable domestic recovery of Queensland tourism and the industry’s relaunch in key global markets.”

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