Promoting tourism to the Indian Ocean territories

THE Parliament’s Northern Australia Committee will visit Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from Saturday 16 September to Friday 22 September to hold public hearings as part of its Inquiry into Opportunities and Methods for Stimulating the Tourism Industry in Northern Australia.

The Committee Chair, Warren Entsch MP said ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular with Australian and international visitors and the potential is there to develop existing tourism operations and create new experiences on the Indian Ocean Territories.

“Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have recently been voted as having some of the best beaches in Australia, with their pristine coral reefs, and largely unspoilt national parks,” Mr Entsch said.

“Increasing tourism to the islands will also boost jobs and create a positive impact on the local economy,” he said.

The Committee will hear evidence from a range of tourism stakeholders, and hold an open microphone session where interested people can make a five minute statement about tourism issues.

 

Public Hearing Programs:
Monday, 18 September: Christmas Island Court House, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm (open microphone session from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm).
Wednesday, 20 September: Home Island, Council Chamber, Shire Offices, 8.30 am to 11.30 am (open microphone session from 11.00 am to 11.30 am).
Thursday, 21 September: West Island, Community Resources Centre, 8.00 am to 12.30 pm (open microphone session from 12 noon to 12.30 pm).

For more information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the hearing program, submissions and terms of reference visit: www.aph.gov.au/jscna.

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