Minister Ferguson launches the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy

Launch of the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy

The Minister for Tourism, The Honorable Martin Ferguson AM MP, launched the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy at a breakfast in Perth hosted by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) and the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) on 15 December 2009.

The Minister outlined a new strategy for the tourism industry, supported by $8 million in TQUAL Grants.  Minister Ferguson emphasised that the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy is based on a whole of government approach to promote investment in the industry and facilitate growth, expand economic diversity, and maximise employment opportunities.

Minster Ferguson noted the importance of strengthening the $40 billion industry through international tourism, referring to China and India as important source countries, as well as  traditional markets.  He also pointed to the need to encourage Australians to take their vacations at home, and encouraged employers to manage their workforces in a way that allows employees to take their accrued leave, rather than building up large leave balances. The Minister stressed the importance of adopting a supply-side approach focussed on improving the regulatory framework, enhancing the workforce, and developing the infrastructure necessary to facilitate long-term investment.

Minister Ferguson outlined the need to develop high-quality tourism products within an innovative industry and maximise strengths, such as Indigenous programmes, in order to meet expectations created by marketing.  He announced that over $8 million in TQUAL funding has been designated to support the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy.