Tuesday 24 January 2012

Stuckey "out of her depth" says Minister

Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Minister Jan Jarratt has hit back at her counterpart, Jann Stuckey, saying Ms Stuckey is "out of her depth."

While in Port Douglas last week, Ms Stuckey accused the Government of avoiding accurate reporting, saying Tourism Queensland campaigns such as 'Vitamin Me' and 'The Pledge' were "ridiculous" and a "disgrace."

"There's no accuracy or substance in the LNP's claims - just more of the same from the shadow spokesperson who's out of her depth," Ms Jarratt said.

"It's time the LNP got its head out of the sand and stopped making up rubbish on the run and talking down the industry.

"On the matter of Tourism Queensland's campaigns such as the Best Job in the World, Million Dollar Memo, Vitamin Me, and of course the overarching campaign Queensland, Where Australia Shines, there's different measures depending on what type of campaign is being run.

"For example, Million Dollar Memo generated over $27 million in publicity internationally. Vitamin Me on the other is an ongoing awareness-raising campaign, with TQ reporting there's been over 100,000 competition entries.

"As for The Pledge, it's been a terrific success driven by tourism operators. Over 1000 people in the tourism industry have signed on to say they are going the extra distance as champions of top customer service."

Pictured - Jan Jarratt at the Million Dollar Memo at Sea Temple Resort & Spa Port Douglas

Ms Jarratt accused the LNP of hindering efforts to attract additional tourists to Far North Queensland.

"The LNP didn't support the Commonwealth Games, they opposed cruise ship terminals and now they want to scrap crucial campaigns that are bringing the visitors back - and that's critical for the far north.

"Latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Queensland was the most visited state on the eastern seaboard, with hotel occupancy rates averaging 70%.

"Queensland was also well ahead on turnover, with the ABS showing a $100 million increase in tourism accommodation takings," Ms Jarratt said.

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Frank Frikker, 25-01-12 18:47:

Without sufficient back ground knowledge it makes no sense to listen ti any politician. It is time that the opposition comes up with some real, clear policies and action plans instead of general criticism. I need to know whether they really can do better. Otherwise I am stuck between two bad options aiming at what I believe is the less worse one. No good outlook.