INDIA TO BECOME MAJOR TOURISM MARKET

NEW DELHI – Queensland is determined to grow India from an emerging market to a major international market, Tourism Minister Margaret Keech declared today.

Mrs Keech, in opening the Queensland on Tour – India trade mission here, told mission members India offered enormous potential for Queensland.

“The Beattie Government is serious about doing tourism business in India,” she said.

“Thank you for partnering with the Government and Tourism Queensland, in bringing a united tourism industry to India.

“By seeing the number and quality of the people on this mission, and the quality and diversity of the experiences you represent, I am sure the India tourism industry will realise that Queensland really means business when it comes to tourism.”

Queensland on Tour - India 2007 has attracted 25 operators – up from 14 last year.

“This dramatic increase in attendees indicates the Queensland tourism industry has realised the importance of the Indian holiday market,” Mrs Keech said.

“Not only do we create further revenue opportunities through these new market partnerships, but we can insulate to some degree the industry from the risks associated with unforeseen declines in key existing markets.”

Mrs Keech said 23,300 Indians visited Queensland in 2006.

“I have no doubt that Queensland can become the destination of choice for the majority of Indians visiting Australia,” she said.

“When you look at the diverse range of experiences represented on this tour, you can see Queensland is very well placed to cement itself as the premier holiday destination for India travellers.”

Trade mission members: 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.

Mrs Keech is leading the trade mission. The visit to India includes meetings with government officials, tourism industry representatives and airlines.

Media contacts: Jo Gibbons 32242007 or David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534