OUTBACK CELEBRATES OPERA WITH A DIFFERENCE

Hundreds of locals and tourists will converge on Outback Queensland this weekend for the sixth annual Undara Experience Opera in the Outback.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech paid tribute to the ongoing success of the event in providing unique ways to experience one of Australia’s most breathtaking regions.

“To remain at the forefront of tourism, Queensland must continue to refresh its offering,” Mrs Keech said.

“The Beattie Government has committed $48 million in the recently launched Queensland Tourism Strategy (QTS) to ensure the state’s tourism products evolve and exceed domestic and international tourist expectations.

“Opera in the Outback is a perfect example of events being encouraged under the QTS to ensure the state remains at the forefront of domestic and international tourism destinations,” she said.

Mrs Keech said the Outback was an important part of Queensland tourism – present and future.

“The Outback is a major contributor to Queensland’s tourism industry, hosting more than 728,000 visitors and 3,083,500 room nights during the past year,” she said. [1]

“During this same period room nights occupied in the region increased by 20 per cent.[2]

“This is testament to the Queensland tourism industry’s ongoing commitment to redefining the traditional Queensland holiday.”

Mrs Keech will be attending tomorrow night’s Opera in the Outback performance.

For more information on the Undara Experience Opera in the Outback visit www.undara.com.au/opera

Media contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Marcus Taylor (Tourism Queensland) 3535 5010