The Australian Regional Tourism Network (ARTN) has highlighted the massive role local governments play in supporting and developing the regional tourism industry.
The Local Government Spend on Tourism research shows the investment in tourism initiatives and programs by local governments nationally in 2015/16 was $373 million with $250 million, or two-thirds, invested by regional and remote councils.
Queensland’s collective tourism spend was $98 million, with $78 million of that coming from non-metropolitan areas.
The bulk of local government investment is put into events and festivals, visitor information centres, promotion and marketing, and tourism development.
ARTN chair David Sheldon said the financial contribution by local governments to tourism had not previously been commissioned.
“Local government play a critical role in delivering on both the ‘supply and demand side’ for the community, in business and leisure,” Mr Sheldon said.
“Tourism helps define the economic and social fabric of a region through creating experiences that locals utilise and are proud to showcase to visitors.”
LGAQ’s Policy Executive endorsed a Tourism Roundtable during their April 21 meeting, to help define tourism policy and advocacy objectives for the LGAQ. The roundtable is set to convene in July 2017.