QUEENSLAND DRAWING IN MORE STUDENTS

Twenty Singaporean high school students have won the chance to study and play on the Gold Coast this month, as part of a competition to promote Queensland as a study tour destination.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said today the students were among the growing number of educational visitors to Queensland each year.

“The Singaporean students are from 10 high schools and will spend five days on the Gold Coast, learning and enjoying all the Gold Coast has to offer,” Mrs Keech said.

“Educational tours are becoming increasingly popular in Queensland and we are keen to introduce as many international students as possible to the benefits of both studying and holidaying here.

“In the year to June 2006, Queensland welcomed nearly 80,000 international educational visitors, which is an impressive number but one the Beattie Government is determined to increase.

“Study tours such as this are a wonderful opportunity to not only showcase the beauty and diversity of our different regions, but also highlight the many educational elements in Queensland’s immense range of natural wonders.”

Mrs Keech said a new website had recently been launched to promote Queensland as an international study tours destination.

“www.studytoursqueensland.com.au will help build on our state’s already strong educational tourism market, providing everything from destinations to learning experiences and educational facilities,” she said.

“Queensland’s educational travel market has grown rapidly in recent years – by nearly 20 per cent a year since 2003 - well above the national average.

“That’s more than 30,000 additional visitors than in June 2003.

“Students range from school and university groups to individuals wanting to learn English, as well as older people undertaking educational programs.

“Queensland is widely recognised as a great place to both study and play.

“www.studytoursqueensland.com.au will add even further momentum to this growth, helping to build yet another dimension of Queensland’s tourism industry.”

Media contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Louise Yates (Tourism Queensland) 3535 5349 / 0419 713 176.