STATE GOVERNMENT HELPS WARM UP TOURISM ON THE GOLD COAST THIS WINTER

The Beattie Government will warm up the Gold Coast this Winter with a $350,000 funding injection.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said the funding aimed to help boost occupancy and airline capacity to the region during the traditionally slow Winter period.

Mrs Keech said the money was part of a joint project with Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism and local industry to remind Sydney and Melbourne residents that the Gold Coast is a perfect holiday escape all year round.

“The Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s most iconic tourism destinations attracting more than $2.6 billion in investment from domestic holidaymakers in 2006,” Mrs Keech said.

“While more than 3.5 million domestic visitors holidayed on the Gold Coast to the year ending 2006, they visited primarily during peak holiday periods.

“By investing in an extensive outdoor billboard, subscription TV and print advertising campaign in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane we will educate people that the Gold Coast is a perfect year-round holiday destination.

“Melbourne residents will even get a taste of the Gold Coast when Flinders Station is fully branded for two weeks in May,” she said.

Mrs Keech said the funding was part of the State Government’s commitment to developing tourism opportunities on the Gold Coast.

“Under the Beattie Government’s Queensland Tourism Strategy significant investment is being made in Queensland and the Gold Coast’s tourism industry.

“The Government has also committed more than $200 million in tourism-related infrastructure including the $40 million expansion of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the $160 million Gold Coast Rugby League Stadium,” she said.

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