Cloncurry – dubbed Queensland’s friendliest town in 2018 – will have a new moniker as the centre of the state’s events industry today as it hosts the 2019 DestinationQ Events Conference.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said more than 140 delegates would attend the conference which will give industry representatives a chance to hear from world-leading experts.
“The government is committed to growing the tourism industry in outback Queensland because we know that bringing tourists to the region will support local jobs,” she said.
“Outback tourism has huge potential for growth. That’s why we’re bringing the state’s most important tourism conference to Cloncurry – so the best in the business can talk about the industry while they spend some time in west Queensland.”
Today’s announcement comes after the Premier announced 2019 the Year of Outback Tourism. Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister Meaghan Scanlon will visit Cloncurry this week to take part in DestinationQ.
“We’ve pulled together a world-class group of speakers who will provide inspirational and practical advice on the events industry,” she said.
“We’re committed to supporting the tourism industry. Over the last four years, we’ve more than doubled the value of Queensland’s events calendar – now worth $800 million to our economy.”
Speakers include:
- Former Christchurch Mayor Sir Bob Parker
- New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Communications Director Matthew Goldman
- Birdsville Big Red Bash founder Greg Donovan
Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor Greg Campbell said the community was looking forward to welcoming the event.
“In the Year of Outback Tourism for Queensland, it’s fitting that the DestinationQ Events Conference is coming to a genuine outback town,” Cr Campbell said.
“After experiencing such a devastating natural disaster in February, it’s incredible Cloncurry is in a position to host such a high profile event. I commend the council and community on their efforts and look forward to welcoming more people to Queensland’s Friendliest Town.”
