Why investing in this industry is so vital

Tourism injects $2.5 billion into our economy every year, making the Sunshine Coast the fantastic destination it is today.

It also creates around 16,000 jobs, lifts the region’s profile, and attracts investment, with many who visit often returning or moving here to live, work and play.

Sunshine Coast Council has helped finance Visit Sunshine Coast since 2012, and at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on July 24, Council re-confirmed the long-standing partnership.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Council was committed to investing in the tourism industry, which provided so many flow-on effects to the local economy.

Mayor Natoli said there were two main ways Council helped.

“Firstly, we do this through the Sunshine Coast Major Events Strategy 2018-2028 which looks to attract visitors and keep businesses humming during low tourism periods,” Mayor Natoli said.

“We also allocate funds to the Regional Tourism Organisation, Visit Sunshine Coast, which delivers destination marketing strategies, industry development programs, and support to local business to boost visitor expenditure and visitation.

“And kudos to them, Visit Sunshine Coast is one of 13 Regional Tourism Organisations within Queensland, and they are currently ranked in the top three in terms of performance by Tourism and Events Queensland.

“Funding Visit Sunshine Coast is the main function Council can perform to support an industry that is vital for our economic growth.”

Visit Sunshine Coast

Visit Sunshine Coast Chief Executive Officer Matt Stoeckel said Visit Sunshine Coast continues to support the tourism industry reach its potential, which wouldn’t be possible without the long-running partnership with Sunshine Coast Council.

“It helps us create more jobs, support more businesses on the Sunshine Coast and strengthen the local economy,” Mr Stoeckel said.

“With economic head winds and increasing competition from international destinations it’s more important than ever that we continue to promote the destination and strengthen the Sunshine Coast brand to maintain our market share.”