TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND CONTINUES TO LURE INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS

American and European visitors have boosted international tourism numbers in Tropical North Queensland, new figures show.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said the latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) results showed a 13 per cent increase in visitors from the US.

The number of German visitors jumped six per cent, while Scandinavian tourist numbers grew 14 per cent.

Mrs Keech said the figures for the year ending December 2006 showed a staggering 91 per cent of international visitors to Tropical North Queensland came to the region specifically for holidays.

“The tropical north is truly one of Queensland’s most iconic holiday destinations,” Mrs Keech said.

“Not only are we seeing a rise in certain international markets, but overall the number of nights spent by international visitors to the region has also increased by five per cent.

“It is so easy to see why our visitors from overseas are choosing to stay in this idyllic region longer.”

Mrs Keech said there was also a rise in the number of international backpackers to Tropical North Queensland.

“Over one quarter of all visitors to Tropical North Queensland are backpackers,” she said.

“This is a very strong increase of 12 per cent, which is a fantastic result.”

The total number of visitors to the region was almost 900,000.

Mrs Keech said the great results were a testament to the hard work being done by Tourism Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the industry.

“Tourism injected $893 million into the Tropical North Queensland’s economy in the last calendar year, which is an increase of five per cent.

“It is an excellent result to see such strong figures continuing to bolster Tropical North Queensland tourism.”

“More importantly this equals real economic returns and more job opportunities for Queensland communities.”

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