Published Wednesday, 14 February, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
SUNSHINE COAST TO LAUNCH ASSAULT ON INTERNATIONAL TOURISM
The Beattie Government will fund a program aimed at selling the Sunshine Coast to the world.
Premier Peter Beattie said today the grant would help identify international tourism opportunities and prepare local operators to expand their reach into new markets.
“As part of the $48 million Queensland Tourism Strategy, the Government will provide a special grant of $68,500 to Tourism Sunshine Coast to help deliver development programs for the local tourism industry,” Mr Beattie said.
“This initial funding will be invested by Tourism Sunshine Coast in developing local tourism products to increase the region’s international appeal.
“The region has been very successful in pitching to the domestic market but international markets have not been a real priority for local operators, with a few exceptions.
“Our QTS grant will enable Tourism Sunshine Coast to initiate the Developing Export Ready Product (DERP) Scheme, which will identify primary and emerging international markets and help operators target them.
“We know from market research that emerging international markets are looking for new product, and soon the Sunshine Coast will be able to deliver.”
Mr Beattie said the Sunshine Coast would be able to target important international markets such as New Zealand and emerging ‘long haul’ markets in the UK, Europe and North America.
Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said the grant was part of an annual $1 million for four years funding boost for regional tourism organisations under the Queensland Tourism Strategy. She said the grant was in addition to direct funding and would help the Sunshine Coast to broaden its appeal.
“No longer can we rely so heavily on domestic tourism; this grant will help the region to extend its appeal by tapping into other markets,” Mrs Keech said.
“The development of aviation access to Australia, particularly through Brisbane, provides a great opportunity for the Sunshine Coast to raise awareness of the destination and grab a share of the leisure travel market arriving in Australia.
“More inbound tourists for the Sunshine Coast will deliver higher yield to the local industry and region.”
Tourism Sunshine Coast General Manager John Fitzgerald said increased investment by the State Government in the Sunshine Coast was welcomed and would help develop awareness of the region at the international level.
“The Sunshine Coast continues to develop as a world-class tourism destination with investment and tourism product growing rapidly,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“The increased financial and resource support from the State Government’s Queensland Tourism Strategy will support the Sunshine Coast in securing its position within the world holiday market.”
Media contacts: 3224 4500
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
Premier Peter Beattie said today the grant would help identify international tourism opportunities and prepare local operators to expand their reach into new markets.
“As part of the $48 million Queensland Tourism Strategy, the Government will provide a special grant of $68,500 to Tourism Sunshine Coast to help deliver development programs for the local tourism industry,” Mr Beattie said.
“This initial funding will be invested by Tourism Sunshine Coast in developing local tourism products to increase the region’s international appeal.
“The region has been very successful in pitching to the domestic market but international markets have not been a real priority for local operators, with a few exceptions.
“Our QTS grant will enable Tourism Sunshine Coast to initiate the Developing Export Ready Product (DERP) Scheme, which will identify primary and emerging international markets and help operators target them.
“We know from market research that emerging international markets are looking for new product, and soon the Sunshine Coast will be able to deliver.”
Mr Beattie said the Sunshine Coast would be able to target important international markets such as New Zealand and emerging ‘long haul’ markets in the UK, Europe and North America.
Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said the grant was part of an annual $1 million for four years funding boost for regional tourism organisations under the Queensland Tourism Strategy. She said the grant was in addition to direct funding and would help the Sunshine Coast to broaden its appeal.
“No longer can we rely so heavily on domestic tourism; this grant will help the region to extend its appeal by tapping into other markets,” Mrs Keech said.
“The development of aviation access to Australia, particularly through Brisbane, provides a great opportunity for the Sunshine Coast to raise awareness of the destination and grab a share of the leisure travel market arriving in Australia.
“More inbound tourists for the Sunshine Coast will deliver higher yield to the local industry and region.”
Tourism Sunshine Coast General Manager John Fitzgerald said increased investment by the State Government in the Sunshine Coast was welcomed and would help develop awareness of the region at the international level.
“The Sunshine Coast continues to develop as a world-class tourism destination with investment and tourism product growing rapidly,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“The increased financial and resource support from the State Government’s Queensland Tourism Strategy will support the Sunshine Coast in securing its position within the world holiday market.”
Media contacts: 3224 4500
Wednesday, 14 February 2007