QUICKSILVER CRUISES TO TOURISM HONOUR

Australia’s leading Great Barrier Reef cruise operator, The Quicksilver Group, has beaten some of the country’s major tour and transport operators to win a prestigious Australian Tourism Award.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech, who was in Sydney for the awards on Friday night, congratulated Quicksilver for their ongoing contribution to tourism on the Great Barrier Reef and in Tropical North Queensland.

“The company, which took out the best ‘Tour and Travel Operator – Major’ category, has also been a pioneer of environment sustainable tourism in Queensland,” said Mrs Keech.

“Quicksilver offers some of Tropical North Queensland’s most expansive Great Barrier Reef experiences.

“It is great to see dedicated Queensland tourism operators recognised not only on a state level but nationally.”

Mrs Keech said domestic visitation to Tropical North Queensland increased by a healthy 19 per cent in the year to September 2006.

“Tourism contributes almost $2 billion annually to the Tropical North Queensland economy,” she said.

“Under the Queensland Tourism Strategy the Queensland Government recently invested $2 million to assist in rebranding the region.

“Tropical North Queensland is truly one of Australia’s most special tourism destinations and is supported by a very dedicated and professional local industry.”

Media Contacts: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496534