AusLeisure

Queensland's peak tourism industry body is urging Australian and international visitors not to give up on Queensland destinations and to support the industry by not cancelling their trip.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the stateâs second biggest export earner is suffering significant losses, perhaps greater than any previous crisis.

Gschwind (pictured) stated "QTIC has been working non-stop to ensure the billion dollar tourism industry recovers as quickly as possible from the flooding that have affected some areas of the state in recent weeks.

"Our hearts go out to the many tourism operators throughout the state who have been affected directly by these floods, and our focus now is to ensure that no unnecessary damage is done to the industry through the mistaken impression that Queensland is closed for business.

"Any support for tourism right now is support for the overall recovery of the state's economy and regional communities.

"Do the right thing for Queensland and book a holiday now.

"Many tourism regions in Queensland are unaffected by the floods including the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, the Whitsundays, Mackay, Cairns and the majority of the Great Barrier Reef.

"It is vital for the future of the entire tourism industry in Queensland that our recovery is swift and we continue to welcome holiday-makers to stay in our hotels and resorts, fly on our airlines and visit our unique attractions.

"Even Brisbane which has faced a great challenge over the last week is basking in sunshine and eager to get business going again.

"Over the past week QTIC has fielded up to a hundred media enquiries from around the world and our message has been that we are still open and that holiday-makers can support us by not cancelling their trip.

"It is important that we let tourists know that roads are reopening every day and 19 of our 20 airports, including three international airports, are operating as normal with daily services.

"We are currently working with all levels of government and with Tourism Queensland on the recovery of the state's tourism industry, attending the first meeting of the State Government's Economic Recovery Coordination Group today.

"QTIC is also lobbying for new forms of financial help, including for business losses not associated with damage to property."

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is the State's peak body for tourism. The Council is a not-for-profit membership organisation representing members' interests - both large and small.

It has in excess of 3,000 regional members, operating in all sectors of the tourism industry. 

12th January 2011 - FLOOD IMPACT UPDATE ON AEG OGDEN MANAGED VENUES

12th January 2011 - FLOODS ENGULF QUEENSLAND FACILITIES 

23rd November 2010 - TOURISM EXCELLENCE REWARDED AT QUEENSLAND AWARDS 

6th April 2009 - OUTBACK SPECTACULAR CELEBRATES THREE YEARS  

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