INDIANS ENCOURAGED TO HONEYMOON IN QUEENSLAND

Delhi: Tourism Minister Margaret Keech is ‘proposing’ that Indian newlyweds honeymoon in Queensland.

Mrs Keech said today she had discussed with Indian travel agents her plan to have India’s newlyweds escape the sub-continent for a sunny Queensland honeymoon.

“India has been identified in the Beattie Government’s $48 million Queensland Tourism Strategy (QTS) as an important emerging tourism market,” Mrs Keech said.

“We expect annual growth of more than 14 per cent from India, and we want our share of the lucrative market.

“I have raised the potential of the honeymoon market during discussions with agents here, building on work we have already done to grow the market.

“Queensland has proven an irresistible attraction to honeymooning couples from other Asian markets and I believe Indian couples can be similarly attracted.

“Tourism Queensland recently hosted a large group of Indian travel agents who specialise in honeymoon holidays.

“The agents saw for themselves our world-class tourism product, which would be perfectly suited for Indian honeymooners,” she said.

“The agents returned to India with a good understanding of what Queensland can offer their customers.

“They know from their own experiences that Queensland has everything a couple in love could seek – from wedding facilities, to honeymoon luxury, stunning natural assets, adventure and an experience that will be with them for life.”

Mrs Keech said industry familiarisation visits place Queensland top-of-mind with Indian agents selling holidays.

“Tourism Queensland recently established a full-time marketing manager in India to increase awareness of Queensland,” she said.

“Our new face in India will be working closely with travel agents and media to increase visitor numbers and media exposure.”

Media contacts: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534