Mount Isa Tourism Development Strategy Launched
Council’s long-term vision for the Mount Isa tourism sector was unveiled on Thursday night, February 20, at the official launch of the 2020-25 Mount Isa Tourism Development Strategy, which lays out a clear way forward for a major modernisation of, and boost to, Mount Isa as a tourism destination.
Developed with the assistance of more than 100 local stakeholders including Commerce North West, Mount Isa Tourism Association, business owners, and community members, the Strategy has been several months in the making and provides a strategic direction for Council, tourism industry stakeholders, businesses and the local community to plan for the sustainable development and marketing of Mount Isa as a tourism destination over the next five years.
Mayor Joyce McCulloch said the Strategy came about following thorough and comprehensive consultation with local tourism representatives, experts and stakeholders and includes practical, actionable ideas that can be made a reality through a collaborative, cooperative approach.
“The vision of the Strategy is to introduce and inspire visitors to ‘Meet Mount Isa’ – a place where visitors can experience first-hand the true sense of an authentic Australian Outback community – and visit another side of Queensland,” Cr McCulloch said.
“By working together, Council, along with everyone who’s involved in the local tourism industry, can achieve great things that will improve people’s knowledge of Mount Isa as a tourism destination and ensure they have a fantastic experience while they’re here.
“This will hopefully encourage them to stay longer when they’re here and to tell their friends and family all about their experience when they get home.
“The benefits and importance of positive word-of-mouth cannot be overstated, after all.
“This Strategy is a living, practical document that will assist all stakeholders to better plan for future tourism development.
“It lays out a range of key strategic priorities and accompanying actions that can be achieved in the short, medium and long term.
“I am very pleased with the Mount Isa Tourism Development Strategy. I look forward to local stakeholders working together to ensure a bright future ahead for Mount Isa’s tourism sector.”
Matt Bron, the Director of Outback and Country Queensland, Tourism and Events Queensland, congratulated Cr McCulloch, the Mount Isa City Council team and local tourism operators for their proactive approach building a more sustainable tourism industry in Mount Isa.
“The tourism strategy recognises Mount Isa’s wealth of untapped natural beauty, including the beautiful Lake Moondarra, local-known trails leading to waterholes, huge granite boulders, Indigenous culture and prolific birdlife and the need to build product and experience around those assets,” Mr Bron said.
“There is incredible potential for the visitor market. It also targets travellers who value authenticity and local knowledge.
“There are so many undiscovered locations in Queensland.
“It’s a challenging time for tourism in Australia and I encourage everyone thinking about their next holiday to come and see the other side of Queensland in Mount Isa.”
The launch of the Strategy was held at Outback at Isa and attended by representatives of a broad cross-section of the Mount Isa tourism sector and business community.