North Straddie no longer Queensland’s best kept secret
Published Tuesday, 20 August, 2019 at 09:27 AM
Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones
More people are discovering the magic of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), with the latest visitor research showing that annual tourism numbers have grown by more than five per cent.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said about 375,000 people visited the island in 2018, up from an estimated 350,000 people in 2017 - revealing growing awareness of the island as a stunning eco-tourism destination.
Ms Jones said new visitors were also spending more, with median spend up 20 per cent to $120 per day for day trippers and up 10 per cent to $172 per day for overnight visitors.
“This is one of the most beautiful places in the world – that’s why tourism makes sense for North Straddie,” she said.
“We’ve been working closely with Cameron Costello and his team at QYAC to promote Minjerribah as a world-class tourism destination. It’s great to see that work starting to pay off.
“We’re investing in new attractions and programs to make sure these numbers continue to grow in the future.”
Ms Jones said the University of Queensland research showed that repeat visitation was at an extraordinary 79 per cent.
“That means when people get a taste of what North Straddie has to offer, they’re keen to come back again and again,” she said.
“Families remain the island’s biggest market, with more than 48 per cent of visitors identifying as ‘full-nesters’. The main reasons they come is to visit the beach, view wildlife and hit the waves for a surf or a swim.”
Domestic tourists made up more than 95 per cent of visitors - of these, more than 72 per cent came from a 50km radius.
“The LNP cut funding for tourism projects on North Straddie – setting the economic transition back years. After re-starting the ETS, we’re starting to see a difference,” Ms Jones said.
The Palaszczuk Government is investing $24.75 million in more than 20 projects to support the economic transition of the island from its traditional reliance on sandmining to a brighter future as a globally recognised cultural and eco-tourism destination.
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said attracting more tourists was important to jobs growth in the region.
“Tourism is the island’s largest employer, and this growth and the employment and business opportunities it brings will be welcome news to many island residents and families,” she said.
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation CEO Cameron Costello said Minjerribah is one of the most beautiful places on earth, with world heritage values, and today’s visitors respect its environment and culture.
“We have noticed that recent visitors to the island, our guests, are better respecting the environment and our culture – treading lightly on the land and, as they say, leaving nothing but happy memories,” Mr Costello said.
“As we move into this new era of sustainable tourism, we will get the balance right between protecting our environment and culture and creating a strong economy.
“The Quandamooka people, as Traditional Owners, are committed to working with business, government and the community to get this balance right.
“Minjerribah has been a natural and cultural sanctuary for thousands of year, and will remain that way for thousands more.”
UQ Business School Associate Professor Dr Pierre Benckendorff said the island continues to attract local families, who keep going back every year for their annual family holiday.
“People are really looking to spend time with their family to recharge the batteries,” Dr Benckendorff said.
“Minjerribah is also attracting its fair share of first time visitors, and many of these are surprised by the fantastic beaches, whale encounters and nature-based experiences.”
“Our research shows that there is a growing appetite for local cultural experiences, including indigenous tourism, markets, festivals and events.
“If we understand who the visitors are and what they want, we can create long-term employment opportunities that promote sustainable economic growth while also protecting the island’s natural and cultural heritage.”
[ENDS]
Describe the economic and tourist value of Minjerribah Island
The economic and tourist value of Minjerribah Island, also known as North Stradbroke Island, can be seen in the growing number of visitors and their increasing expenditure. According to the latest visitor research, annual tourism numbers have grown by over five percent, with approximately 375,000 people visiting the island in 2018. This indicates a growing awareness of the island as a stunning eco-tourism destination.
Moreover, new visitors are spending more, with the median spend per day increasing by 20 percent for day trippers and 10 percent for overnight visitors. This demonstrates the economic impact of tourism on the island, as visitors contribute to the local economy through their expenditures.
The research also highlights the high rate of repeat visitation, with 79 percent of visitors returning to the island. This suggests that once people experience the beauty and attractions of North Stradbroke Island, they are inclined to come back again and again. Families make up the largest market segment, accounting for over 48 percent of visitors, with the main reasons for visiting being the beach, wildlife viewing, and surfing or swimming.
Domestic tourists make up the majority of visitors, contributing to over 95 percent of the total. Specifically, more than 72 percent of domestic tourists come from within a 50km radius, indicating the island's popularity among local residents.
The economic significance of North Stradbroke Island is further emphasized by the Queensland Government's investment of $24.75 million in various projects aimed at supporting the island's economic transition from sandmining to a globally recognized cultural and eco-tourism destination. This investment not only promotes sustainable economic growth but also creates employment and business opportunities for the local community.
Overall, the economic and tourist value of Minjerribah Island is evident in the increasing number of visitors, their higher expenditures, and their repeated visits. The island's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and range of attractions make it a sought-after destination for both domestic and international tourists, contributing to the growth of the local tourism industry and the overall economy.
Minjerribah Island, also known as North Stradbroke Island, has significant economic and tourist value. The latest visitor research shows that annual tourism numbers to the island have grown by more than five percent. In 2018, approximately 375,000 people visited the island, compared to an estimated 350,000 people in 2017. This growth in tourism highlights growing awareness of the island as a stunning eco-tourism destination.
The research also shows that new visitors are spending more, with day trippers' median spend up 20 percent to $120 per day and overnight visitors' median spend up 10 percent to $172 per day. This increase in spending suggests that tourists are recognizing the value and appeal of the island and are willing to invest more in their experiences there.
Repeat visitation rate to Minjerribah Island is exceptionally high at 79 percent, indicating that once people experience the island's attractions, they are eager to return. Families make up the biggest market, with over 48 percent of visitors identifying as "full-nesters." Visitors primarily come to enjoy the island's pristine beaches, view wildlife, and engage in surfing or swimming activities.
Additionally, Minjerribah Island is a significant employer in the region, with tourism being the largest industry on the island. The growth in tourism and the associated employment and business opportunities are beneficial for island residents and families.
The Queensland Government is actively investing in the island's development as a cultural and eco-tourism destination, with $24.75 million allocated to various projects. This investment aims to support the economic transition of the island from its previous reliance on sand mining to a more sustainable and recognized tourism destination.
The island's cultural significance is also highlighted, with the Quandamooka people, as the Traditional Owners, committed to working with businesses, government, and the community to strike a balance between protecting the environment and culture while promoting a strong economy.
Overall, the economic and tourist value of Minjerribah Island is growing, attracting more visitors, driving employment opportunities, and supporting sustainable economic growth, all while preserving the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage.