GLADSTONE REGION SETS DIRECTION FOR NEXT DECADE OF TOURISM
Read Time:
The Gladstone Region has taken an important step toward strengthening its visitor economy with the launch of the Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited (GAPDL) Tourism Strategic Plan 2026-2036.
Unveiled at Pavilion, Auckland Hill, the Plan sets out a clear direction for tourism development across the region over the next decade, focusing on stronger visitor experiences, industry capability, people and investment in enabling infrastructure.
The launch event brought together tourism operators, community leaders and government representatives, highlighting strong collaboration across the sector.
Senior state tourism official Bridget Woods, Deputy Director-General Tourism at the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), attended the launch and addressed industry representatives, alongside Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Chief Executive Officer Natassia Wheeler, demonstrating both government and industry support for the region’s long-term tourism direction.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said tourism plays a vital role in economic diversification and community liveability.
“Tourism strengthens local jobs, supports small businesses, and enhances what makes our region a great place to live,” Mayor Burnett said.
“This Plan signals confidence in our region’s future and provides a practical pathway forward.”
GAPDL Interim Chief Executive Officer Dee Dalton said the strategy represents a shared commitment across industry, government and community to strengthen the region’s visitor economy over the next decade.
“This is not a promotional document. It is a roadmap,” Ms Dalton said.
“Over the next decade we will focus on strengthening experiences, supporting operators, advocating for enabling infrastructure and investing in the people who power our visitor economy.”
“Tourism is ultimately about people – the operators, volunteers and small businesses who welcome visitors and share the stories of our region every day.”
Ms Dalton said the Strategic Plan provides the foundation for long-term tourism growth across the region.
“But it is not the whole story – it is the foundation,” she said.
“Supporting this strategy is our Destination Management Plan, currently being finalised and anticipated to launch in June this year. That plan will outline the practical actions needed to deliver this strategy over the next decade.
“This approach ensures the strategy is not a document that sits on a shelf – it is a real roadmap for action.”
The strategy identifies opportunities for growth in areas including nature-based tourism, reef and island experiences, regional events and greater collaboration across tourism, industry and community sectors.
It also positions the Gladstone Region to benefit from growing interest in regional travel and the opportunities created by tourism growth across Queensland in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.
The full Tourism Strategic Plan 2026–2036 is available on the GAPDL website.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Dee Dalton
Interim CEO, GAPDL
0427 997 591
