INDIA GETS TASTE OF TROPICAL NORTH

Mumbai: Queensland is using stunning tropical northern Queensland images to lure Indian tourists.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said today influential Indian agents had been impressed by tropical images shown as part of the Beattie Government’s new ‘Where Else but Queensland’ advertising campaign.

“The stunning images really hit the mark when we showed them the campaign advertisements,” said Mrs Keech, who is leading the Queensland on Tour – India trade mission.

“Combined with the face-to-face presence of operators who are part of the mission, I believe we have presented a compelling case for Indian tourists to visit tropical northern Queensland.

”We all know this vast region has a wealth of beautiful attractions and unforgettable experiences.

“And now India knows that, too.”

Mrs Keech is currently leading a tourism trade mission to India. She is accompanied by Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Rob Giason and several tourism operators.

Last year Queensland hosted more than 23,300 Indian tourists – 31 per cent of Indian visitors to Australia.

“Almost 60 per cent of Indian travellers to Queensland are holiday-makers with 44 per cent aged between 25 and 44 years,” Mrs Keech said.

“The tropics offers such an amazing range of tourism products, making it ideal for new-age big spending Indian holidaymakers.

“Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s involvement in the Queensland on Tour - India trade mission has been pivotal in educating Indian travel agents about the amazing diversity of a Queensland holiday.

“Through the Queensland Government’s $48 million Queensland Tourism Strategy (QTS) we are developing long term plans to ensure Queensland continues to benefit significantly from Indian tourism.

“Through the establishment of a new Tourism Queensland office in India, and trade missions such as Queensland on Tour, the Beattie Government will work with industry to develop more competitive tourism packages and increase direct aviation access and capacity from India.

“Queensland and Tropical North Queensland have traditionally been favourite destinations for European, English, New Zealand and Japanese tourists.

“And while we are still experiencing strong support from these traditional international holiday markets, it is important for the future of the industry that we work at growing opportunities in new and emerging markets, such as India.

“The emergence and strong growth we are seeing from India represents an exciting time for regions such as the tropical north.”

Media contacts: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or David Smith 3225 1005