Let’s make the most out of the pirates
The decision to film the fifth episode of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise in Queensland will bring $100 million of investment to the state, boosting the tourism industry, according to Queensland arts minister Ian Walker.
The announcement confirms widespread speculation that the latest spoof pirate caper will be shot next year, bringing a much needed boost to tourism when shooting during February on the Gold Coast later moves on to North Queensland during its quiet season for visitors.
Mr Walker said that 20,000 bed nights would be needed to accommodate the cast and crew alone when the unit moves up to North Queensland.
The federal government is reported to have offered the Disney organisation, which is making the film, a $21.6 million sweetener while the Queensland government cut payroll tax to beat competing countries and Australian states to the booty.
Let us hope that Queenslanders can get behind the pirates theme and promote it like the Northern Irish exploited the Game of Thrones and the Kiwis became Middle Earth and hobbit central to amazing travel benefit..
