Queensland tourism operators strengthen Anzac ties

More than 50 Queensland tourism operators and organisations have attended a tourism trade mission to Auckland to showcase the state’s holiday experiences and reinforce relationships with influential New Zealand travel industry representatives.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Jann Stuckey said the Queensland on Tour trade mission brought the state’s operators together with more than 100 New Zealand travel wholesalers and retail agents as part of the Newman Government’s election promise to grow tourism.

“The aim of the forum, organised by Tourism and Events Queensland and supported by Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, was to raise awareness of Queensland holiday experiences and events and facilitate future business opportunities,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Keeping Queensland’s destinations top-of-mind with potential New Zealand travellers helps the Government reach its goal of increasing annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.

“The State's destinations were profiled to 20,000 potential holiday-makers over the weekend, when 30 of the attending operators and organisations attended Flight Centre’s Travel Expo in Auckland.

“These activities help to grow visitors from New Zealand, which is Queensland’s largest international market by visitor numbers, with around 400,000 New Zealanders visiting the state and spending almost $500 million on trips in the year ending September 2013.

“Tourism was ignored and left to languish under the former Labor Government, but it is turning around and opportunities like this will help it continue to grow.”

Ms Stuckey said the trade mission would be complemented by a major marketing push from February enticing New Zealanders to escape the chill of winter and enjoy a Queensland holiday.

“The ‘Beach and Beyond’ campaign showcases an array of holiday experiences available in destinations such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Southern Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland,” she said.

“Tourism and Events Queensland has teamed with Tourism Australia and major travel retailer House of Travel to roll out the campaign through bus billboards, print, online and radio across New Zealand.”

[ENDS] 17 February 2014

Media Contacts:

Minister’s Office - 3719 7240/ 0439 291 268
Tourism and Events Queensland – 3535 5010