QUEENSLAND TO MAKE HEADLINES IN EUROPE

Queensland tourist destinations will soon be making headlines throughout Europe, Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said today.

Mrs Keech said the 2007 Queensland on Stage Europe was bringing 30 key European travel media to the state from January 20-29.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase Queensland destinations to some of Europe’s top media,” Mrs Keech said.

“One in eight visitors to Queensland are from Europe, so it is crucial that we continue to push Queensland’s variety of destinations.

“Events such as this give international media a first-hand taste of the fantastic Queensland holiday experience, and help to strengthen future growth even further.

‘Upon their return, Queensland should well and truly be the flavour of the month!”

Mrs Keech said European visitation to Queensland had shown positive signs.

“We welcome nearly 300,000 European visitors here each year,” she said.

“The market has grown significantly in recent years, with the number of European holiday visitors to Queensland increasing by 12 per cent in the year to September 2006.”

Mrs Keech said the group, which includes television, radio, print and online media, would see a wide variety of Queensland destinations.

“The group will visit regions traditionally popular with European visitors, such as Tropical North Queensland and the FraserCoast, as well as choosing from a number of optional trips to areas such as Gladstone, Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville and the SunshineCoast,” she said.

“A comprehensive 10-day itinerary such as this gives exposure to so many Queensland destinations, and provides the visiting media with a myriad of story angles from Queensland’s diverse products and many colourful characters.

“Events like this would not be possible without Tourism Queensland having the support of industry in the many regions involved.”

Run by Tourism Queensland, Queensland on Stage Europe is an annual event.

Media contacts: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or Louise Yates (Tourism Queensland) 3535 5349 / 0419 713 176