NEW TOURISM PLAN TO ENHANCE VISITOR EXPERIENCES ON REDLANDS COAST
Improving accessibility for all visitors and residents to Redlands Coast tourism destinations and businesses, piloting a visitor ‘care for country’ pledge, enhancing heritage trails and activating villages are all part of a new Redland City Council plan for advancing local tourism opportunities in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mayor Karen Williams said the Redlands Coast Destination Management Plan 2023–2028 would build upon outcomes already achieved by Council and the Redlands Coast tourism industry in providing opportunities for residents and visitors alike to embrace and enjoy the city’s natural assets and values.
“Our local tourism industry has a significant role to play in the local economy and has partnered in developing this plan,” she said.
“The industry employs more than 2607 people, which equates to 5.4 per cent of the city’s employment; generates more than 1.2 million visitors annually and contributes $234 million to our economy.
“Over the past five years, Redlands Coast has had the strongest growth rate of international visitors of any local government area in the Brisbane region.
“It is vital that Council and the industry work together to not only maintain this but to increase it.
“Like the rest of the world, Redlands Coast was heavily impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
“This plan seeks to bring the visitor economy to life, allowing us to reimagine our tourism future and how a sensitive, respectful, and quality industry can meet the economic, social, cultural and environmental needs of our community.”
The plan includes 27 actions across five key areas that aim to achieve this: product development and experience delivery; destination marketing; visitor services and business readiness; enabling infrastructure; and destination stewardship.
“Our five-year plan recognises that tourism on Redlands Coast is everyone’s business, that visitors travel for enriching experiences, that travel across the city should be seamless and convenient, and that sustainability and community values must sit at the heart of the city’s brand,” Cr Williams said.
“We live in a beautiful part of south-east Queensland, just 35 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD, and about an hours’ drive from the Gold Coast.
“We boast exceptional island and hinterland experiences, Quandamooka culture, unique stories, natural encounters and eco-sustainable experiences, adventure possibilities and a friendly, relaxed lifestyle.
“As south-east Queensland takes its place on the global stage over coming years, this plan will position Redlands Coast favourably, ensuring that as domestic and international visitors come to our part of the world in the lead up to and during the Games, they are well-served by our local tourism industry and are inspired to return to, and tell others about, our naturally wonderful city.”
View the plan: redland.qld.gov.au/TourismStrategy
