SUPPORT FOR GATHERING OF TOURISM INDUSTRY'S 'FRONT LINE'

The tourism industry’s front line will converge on Maryborough next week for the Queensland Information Centre Association Conference, said Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Workers from Queensland’s 117 Visitor Information Centres will gather from March 6-9 for the event, sponsored by the Beattie Government through Tourism Queensland.

Mrs Keech said the conference was an important avenue for networking and collaboration, updating skills and sharing knowledge and information.

“Queensland’s accredited Visitor Information Centres (VIC) stretch from as far north as Cooktown to as far west as Birdsville,” she said.

“They are run with the support of a 2,000 plus volunteer workforce.

“The Visitor Information Centres and the work of these volunteers is priceless to the state’s tourism industry.

“They are at the front line of Queensland’s tourism industry, providing expert guidance and advice to the almost 19 million people who visit the state each year.

“We want visitors to enjoy the time they spend travelling in Queensland’s regions and information centres help make that experience easy and relaxed, encouraging visitors, their friends and family to stay longer and return again.

“The Beattie Government continues to work with QICA to support Queensland’s tourism industry through the accredited information centres.

“The network of centres is testament to the strong partnership between Tourism Queensland, the visitor information centre, regional and local tourism organisations, and local government.”

Mrs Keech said Tourism Queensland also managed the Queensland Visitor Information Centre Signage Policy to accredit eligible VICs, and aimed to ensure visitors could clearly distinguish genuine information providers offering a professional standard of service.

“The Policy was launched in April 2000 in recognition of the role played by the Visitor Information Centres in providing services and assistance to visitors,” she said.

“Tourism Queensland has worked with QICA since the inception of the Queensland VIC Signage Policy in 2000 to continue to grow and develop the network.”

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