QUEENSLAND TARGETS CASHED-UP INDIANS

Attracting young and wealthy holidaymakers to Queensland will be the focus of a tourism trade mission to India led by Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech leaves on Saturday on the mission which includes meetings with Indian government, tourism industry and airlines.

“India was identified in the Queensland Tourism Strategy as an emerging market of great potential," Mrs Keech said.

“I am excited about leading the Queensland on Tour-India trade mission from 27 January to 3 February, and I am excited about the huge potential of this market.

“Indian arrivals to Queensland are growing strongly, as is the amount of money they spend while here.

“Almost one in three Indian visitors to Australia came to Queensland (23,300) in the year to September 2006, with 60 per cent of them here for holidays. Visitor expenditure increased by almost 24 per cent in the same period.

“We have recognised for some time that India is a lucrative emerging market and have been working to maximise the opportunities associated with this trend.

“While traditional markets such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand continue to perform well, and are expected to grow in economic value annually by up to 3.5 per cent and 2 per cent respectively over the next decade, it is important to develop other profitable markets.

“We expect to see up to a 400 per cent increase in expenditure by Indian holidaymakers by 2016.”

Mrs Keech said establishing networks and alliances in new markets such as India made Queensland’s tourism industry less susceptible to unexpected international tourism downturns.

During the trade mission, Mrs Keech will officially open the new Tourism Queensland office in Mumbai and meet with Tourism Queensland’s newly-appointed India Marketing Manager, Ms Supriya Correa.

“We are developing a strong marketing presence in India, working together with local trade and the airline industry to develop future tourism opportunities,” she said.

“Visiting and understanding the India market will enable us to develop more competitive tourism packages and, we hope, help secure more air access from and to India.

“These factors are important in boosting tourist numbers and visitor expenditure.”

Mrs Keech said the Queensland on Tour mission was an important part of the Beattie Government’s push into India.

“I will be joined by key Queensland tourism industry representatives including Tourism Queensland CEO Ian Mitchell, Gold Coast Tourism CEO Pavan Bhatia and Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Rob Giason,” she said.

“The Gold Coast is the number one tourism destination for Indian travellers, attracting over half (54 per cent) of total India visitors to Queensland to the year ended September 2006.

“With almost half (48 per cent) the Indian visitors to Queensland aged between 25 and 44 years, the Gold Coast’s nightlife, shopping and beaches make it the perfect Queensland holiday experience.”

Mrs Keech said 25 tourism operators had registered for the trade visit - almost double that of last year.

Operators who have signed up for the trade mission include: Blazing Saddles, Perfectour, Crowne Plaza Royal Pines Resort, Dreamworld / WhiteWater World, GBR Helicopter Group, Gold Coast Tourism, Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre, International Limousine Services, Kuranda Scenic Rail, Quicksilver / Great Adventures, Wildlife Tropical North Qld, Paradise Resort - Gold Coast, Big Cat Green Island Cruises, Hot Air Cairns, Legends Hotel, Raging thunder Adventures, Southern Queensland Tourism, Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort, Business Tourism Australia,The Hotel Cairns, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Warner Village Theme Parks.

“This increased interest represents a heightened awareness of the Indian market’s value,” Mrs Keech said.

“During the visit the group will hold meetings and functions with key India tourism operators to sell Queensland as an ideal international holiday destination.

“I’ll also be presenting breathtaking images and footage from the Beattie Government’s new $6.5 million ‘Where Else but Queensland’ television campaign to be launched nation-wide in early February to the Indian industry.

”I know they’ll be impressed.”

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