LOUISE MARKUS SECURES $255,000 TO BOOST TOURISM IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
16-August-2010
Louise Markus, Liberal Candidate for Macquarie, has secured a $255,000 grant to help Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism to lure more domestic visitors to the region as part of the Coalition’s $14 million Domestic Tourism Development Grants scheme, should the Coalition be elected to Government.
Mrs Markus was joined by the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP today at the Wentworth Falls Conservation Hut to announce this significant funding for our important regional tourism industry.
“This money is a real shot in the arm for the Blue Mountains and will build on the great promotional work already done by Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism to support local tourism businesses,” Louise Markus said.
”Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism are without doubt the best people to promote our region in the domestic market, so this money is targeted perfectly.”
“Labor have cut funding for Tourism Australia by $13.5 million in real terms since Labor was elected in 2007, bringing real funding levels down to 2003 levels.
“Local tourism businesses can’t afford another term of Labor.
“This commitment by the Coalition will provide Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism with just the sort of support it needs to keep visitors coming to the Blue Mountains, eating in local restaurants and staying in local accommodation.”
Louise Markus said the Domestic Tourism Development Grants scheme was just one element of the Coalition’s $90 million in new support measures for Australian tourism and would complement the Coalition’s $40 million tourism infrastructure and development fund.
“Domestic tourism is the ‘bread and butter’ of the tourism industry, contributing around 75 per cent of Australia’s tourism turnover, and is an important part of the Blue Mountains economy,” Louise Markus said.
“Only an elected Abbott Government will support regional tourism organisations.”
Mrs Markus and Mr Turnbull followed the announcement with a walk of Katoomba and lunch with local business owners, listening to their concerns.