Queensland tourism on show at Australian Marketplace beach party in the US

Premier Campbell Newman has joined some of the State's tourism operators for a Queensland themed beach party at the inaugural Australian Marketplace in America, to meet key travel representatives and cement the state’s reputation as a popular visitor destination.

Mr Newman said more than 20 operators were representing Queensland and meeting around 100 US representatives at the Los Angeles event.

“We promised Queenslanders at the election that we would grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy and this opportunity delivers on that commitment,” Mr Newman said.

“North America is one of Queensland’s most important and growing international markets with the state welcoming more than 200,000 visitors in the year to September 2013.

“Australia has long been an aspirational destination for Americans and Canadians and the appeal will be at an all-time high following Modern Family’s recent visit to the Great Barrier Reef.

“The Australian Marketplace is a terrific forum for Queensland to profile our tourism products and destination experiences, helping to strengthen relationships with influential US travel trade.

“Strong commercial partnerships with US wholesalers will deliver experiences and packages that best meet the needs of North American travellers and drive demand for Queensland holidays.”

Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey said a key action in the recently launched Destination Success plan was to introduce an operators ‘on tour’ program.

“Trade events such as the Australian Marketplace are significant contributors as we work towards our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020,” Ms Stuckey said.

“It’s also an opportunity to profile the Australian Tourism Exchange, the most significant travel trade event on the Australian tourism calendar which will be held in Cairns in May to US participants.

“Queensland will have the strongest showing of any state attending the Australian Marketplace led by Tourism and Events Queensland.”

The Australian Marketplace is being attended as part of the Premier’s Trade Mission to Los Angeles, New York and Houston.

[ENDS] 8 March 2014

Media Contacts: Premier's Office 3719 7000

Tourism Minister’s Office - 3719 7240

Tourism and Events Queensland – 3535 5474