Queensland tourism stimulated by rising art performances

Fans of concerts and performance art living in Surfers Paradise property could be interested in the latest announcement from Queensland's minister of Arts Ian Walker, who said the region's $2.6 million budget for funding more performances across the state, with a number of these focused on the Gold Coast area. 

This is great news for owners of local business as well, with a growing degree of tourism leading to more revenue flowing through the local economy. Some of the performances expected to be put on in the Gold Coast include Opera Queensland's La Boheme Shake & Stir Theatre Company's 1984, Queensland Ballet's Cinderella and the contemporary quintet Topology's Share House. 

"Developing and supporting vibrant regional arts communities delivers jobs and income to people not just in the arts, but in hotels, restaurants and the associated industries that gain from regional tourism," said Mr Walker in a June 9 statement. 

Furthermore, Mr Walker highlighted that the number of shows touring the state has more than tripled, growing from 180 in 2011 up to 617 in 2013 – and this number is only expected to continue upwards. 

"Tourism is one of the four economic pillars we promised to grow and a bristling arts scene state-wide, not just for the elite in southeast Queensland, is a necessary part of us helping Queensland recover," said Mr Walker.