The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today announced a consortium of North Queensland tourism stakeholders have received a TQUAL Grant of $446,010 for an innovative project to develop the region’s tropical food attractions.

The project – led by Advance Cairns – will help diversify the region’s economy and deliver a regional food brand and a food consumer show, as well as extra marketing and promotion.

Minister Ferguson said: “Two million visitors arrive at Cairns airport every year, so developing North Queensland’s food tourism experience presents great opportunities to disperse visitors across Tropical North Queensland. “It is expected that around 20 new food tourism operators will emerge as a result of this funding, which will drive economic growth and will be a catalyst for regional development. This funding will help the Cairns tourism industry be better positioned in a highly competitive market and give domestic and international travellers more reasons to travel in North Queensland.

“The Government is pleased to be investing in a more professional, innovative and competitive tourism industry.”

Tourism in Australia is a $40 billion industry which directly employs 497,000 people and generates almost 9% of Australia’s exports.

The other recipients of the Government’s $8.3 million TQUAL Grants program will be released in the near future.

Media contact: Michael Bradley – 0420 371 744