City to savour country flavour at Eat Street Markets

Brisbane residents could sample a taste of the country at Brisbane’s Eat Street Markets this weekend, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said today.

Minister Jones said the new tourism marketing campaign would help position Southern Queensland Country as the premier country getaway known for its distinct seasons and regional flavours.

“The Eat Street Markets stalls available this weekend are a great way to connect city residents to the flavours of the country,” she said.

“It will feature cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, grape stomping and a competition to win a holiday to the region.

“The stalls will also provide visitors with a chance to savour fresh local produce, meet the region’s growers and producers and get a taste for exploring more of Southern Queensland Country’s tourism attractions and fun family events.”

Southern Queensland Country includes places like Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, St George, Stanthorpe and Roma.

Ms Jones said the Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and Southern Queensland Country Tourism (SQCT) promotion was part of a larger marketing campaign designed to create jobs and drive more visitors to the destination this autumn.

“Marketing initiatives such as this play an important role in supporting tourism and a growing tourism industry means jobs for Queenslanders,” she said.

“Almost two million domestic visitors travelled to the Southern Queensland Country in 2014, an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year.”

SQCT CEO Mary-Clare Power said the 2015 autumn campaign was much broader than the program in 2014, reflecting the growing diversity and appeal of the region.

“Southern Queensland Country boasts an autumn canvas of incredible flavours, colours, people and places,” Ms Power said.

“The bounty from our region is fantastic during autumn and we want the people of Brisbane to experience this, and to choose Southern Queensland Country for their next holiday, be it an overnight getaway, a weekend away, or something a little longer.

“The Southern Queensland Countryat Eat Street Markets forms part of an overall autumn campaign which includes TV, outdoor, digital, print and social media activity.”

For more information visit www.somewherecountry.com.au

Media contact: Emma Smith (Minister Jones’ Office) 0417 405 879