The future of Queensland’s tourism industry will play an important role in this year’s elections say’s the state’s head of tourism and transport.

Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) boss John Lee said almost a quarter of a million people in the Sunshine State are employed in the tourism sector, AAP reported.

"I don't mean to use a cliche but to quote from the movie Jerry Maguire, as an election is called it is industry sectors like ours that now say show us the money," Mr Lee said.

Mr Lee said it is important for both sides to introduce cogent policies to ensure Queensland’s leisure coasts are at the top of people minds when planning holidays, instead of opting for destinations like Indonesia or Malaysia.

Mr Lee said despite economic activity in Brisbane performing well, regional areas of the state are showing signs that the effects of the GFC haven’t passed and the slowing down of domestic leisure based tourism is causing challenges for local operators.

The TTF boss said that the State’s Premier Ms Anna Bligh also understands the significance and importance of tourism.

"Let's also give credit where it's due, the current government has delivered a record budget for major events and cultural tourism,” Mr Lee said.

Mr Lee added that the competition to attract major events is not just between rivals Sydney and Melbourne but also Brisbane.