Tourism industry welcomes 10 Year Plan to take tourism seriously

Tourism Alliance Victoria- the peak industry association representing Victoria’s tourism industry - has welcomed the State Government’s release of its 10 Year Tourism and Events Industry Strategy today.

“The Government’s commitment to grow the industry by $7.1 billion and 66,000 jobs by 2016 is a positive response,” said Tourism Alliance Chief Executive, Nicholas Hunt.

“Tourism is an industry which is dependent on an effective partnership with government. The whole of government approach to tourism demonstrates that the Government is prepared to take tourism seriously for the long term” he added.

“To take tourism in Victoria to the next step requires dollars, a commitment to timelines and reviewing the plan’s strategies. The release of financial information in the next few weeks will demonstrate the extent of the government’s support for tourism” Mr Hunt said.

Tourism Alliance Victoria welcomes the key areas outlined in the Strategy, including:

· Destination Management approach to infrastructure development;

· Increased tourism focus on investment attraction;

· Workforce Development Plan to boost skills

· Implementation on the Tourism Excellence Program;

· Marketing focus on high yield markets such as UK, Germany and Japan;

· Co-operative marketing opportunities from major events;

· Increased visibility for tourism attractions in event broadcasts;

· 2007 Regional Tourism Summit to develop practical solutions to issues confronting regional tourism;

· Increased priority to international aviation policy and improved efforts in attracting additional direct flights to Victoria; and

· Investment in marketing via innovative mobile, multimedia, digital channels.

Tourism Alliance looks forward to working with the Government in the implementation of the Strategy.

Tourism currently contributes $3.4 billion to Victoria’s regional economy and some 61,000 jobs.

Tourism Alliance Victoria is the peak industry association representing regional tourism organisations, tour operators, attractions, accommodation businesses and regional conference venues, statewide. www.tourismalliance.com.au

The 10 Year Strategy can be accessed on-line at

http://www.diird.vic.gov.au/CORPLIVE.327910/STANDARD/389842682/PC_65123.html

Tourism Alliance 10 Year Plan Discussion Paper Response

Click here for a copy of Tourism Alliance's response to the 10 Year Plan Discussion Paper.