BRISBANE, Queensland, Oct. 6 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew Powell
* The Crisafulli Government is backing more than100 tourism businesses across Queensland.
* New program will give operators hands-on support to improve their online presence, marketing, visitor connections, and make day-to-day operations easier.
* The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering onits20-year tourism planDestination 2045,giving Queensland tourism operators the tools they need to grow and compete for visitors from around the world.
Queensland has some of the best tourism experiences on the globe, and the Crisafulli Government wants to ensure the worldhas access tothesmall and family business operators guiding visitorsthrough ourrenowned destinations.
With more travelers using digital platforms and emerging technology to decide where to go, build their itineraries and book their holidays, a strong online presence has never been more important forlocalbusinesses.
The program builds on a key promise of Destination 2045 to empower Queensland tourism businesses to modernise and thrive, after a decade of decline under Labor resulted in plans to axe 95 per cent of funding from the state's tourism sector.
The program responds directly to feedback from tourism operators during the development of Destination 2045, with digital capability identified as an important part of helping businesses grow, remainingcompetitive and capitalising on future growth in Queensland's visitor economy.
The new statewidecapability program will give 130 tourism businesses practical support to strengthen their digital presence, sharpen their marketing and make better use of new technology, including artificial intelligence.
Delivered in partnership with Tourism Tribe, successful applicants will receive an individual digital health check, practical online workshops, one-on-one mentoring and a tailored action plan for their business.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was ensuring Queensland tourism businesses can grow and compete for more visitors.
"Queensland has some of the best tourism experiences in the world, and we want the world to know about them so we're giving our operators the tools to be found, be booked and grow," Minister Powell said.
"Industry told us digital capability mattered, and we listened.
"Destination 2045 is delivering practical support to help operators sharpen their marketing, compete online and win more visitors to Queensland.
"The former Labor Government planned to slash tourism funding by 95 per cent after a decade of decline, but we're investing more than $1 billion to back our operators, grow the visitor economy and sell Queensland to the world."
Tourism Tribe Chief Executive Officer Liz Ward said the program would give tourism operators the tools and confidence to embrace AI and unlock new opportunities for their businesses.
"As AI becomes more embedded in travel planning and booking journeys, strong digital foundations will matter more than ever," Ms Wardsaid.
"Operators who get these foundations right will be better placed to be found, recommended and booked.
"Tourism operators are already using AI in practical ways, from better guest communication to faster administration and smarter marketing.
"With the right support, AI can help businesses become more efficient and competitive, while maintaining the personal service that makes Queensland tourism so special."
Applications for the Queensland Tourism AI Adoption Program are open until Tuesday 10 November.
Queensland tourism businesses are encouraged toapply here - https://www.tourismtribe.com/programs/qld-tourism-ai/
ENDS
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