Tourism in Mount Tamborine and the surrounding areas was the hot topic for Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz MP during a tour of the region today, Tuesday 16 October.
Mr Buchholz today hosted a business luncheon at local cheese-making business Witches Chase Cheese Co with Shadow Minister for Tourism Bob Baldwin and local tourism business owners to discuss issues affecting the tourism industry in the region.
I am the luckiest member of Federal Parliament because I have the opportunity to promote a region so rich in tourism such as this, Mr Buchholz said.
Mr Buchholz went on to say that it is vital that tourism business operators in the electorate of Wright be given every opportunity to grow their business.
A Coalition Government understands Tourism and the need to support the industry, not stunt its growth through short sighted tax grabs and inconsistent policy, he said.
Guests at the luncheon also had the opportunity to hear a few words and ask questions from Shadow Tourism Minister Bob Baldwin, who was touring the region for the first time, and spoke about the influence of attracting more Asian tourists.
Tourists want to see things that they havent seen before. They want a uniquely Australian experience, Mr Baldwin said.
Tourism is an extremely price-point sensitive market, and we need to do everything we can to restore consumer confidence so they can spend.
This area is an extremely good position to attract tourists and provide that new and unique Australian experience, he said.
Mr Baldwin also encouraged the business owners to work hard at attracting people to the region, particularly through the use of recent marketing methods of the internet and social media.
Work with other local business owners and employees to run your business at a healthy profit and create opportunities for further employment, Mr Baldwin said.
Mr Baldwin named three points for business owners to remember to create long term sustainability Products, People and Passion.
Learn to understand what your customers are looking for. Tourism is about the experience and you are in a positive tourism region. Treat everyone as the most important customer, he said.
Mr Buchholz and Mr Baldwin also visited local winery Bunjurgen Vineyard later in the day to meet owner David McMaugh before heading to the opening of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia 27th National Rally at Boonah Showgrounds.
