CHINESE CONFERENCE DELEGATES CONVERGE ON COAST

Business tourism is booming on the Gold Coast with the arrival of up to 6000 Chinese Amway delegates for a conference this month, says Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech said this was the largest group of people from a single country to visit the Gold Coast at one time.

“The Gold Coast is fast becoming known as more than a holiday destination,” said Mrs Keech, who officially welcomed the first round of delegates at a leadership seminar last night.

“The Gold Coast is forging a name for itself in business tourism.

“In recent years international business visitors have come to realise that the region offers world class convention facilities."

Mrs Keech said business tourism was a high-yield market, with visitors spending more per visit than the average holidaymaker.

"This event alone will generate $15 million in spending on the Gold Coast," she said.

“Business tourism is one of our fastest-growing tourism segments, already worth $2.8 billion to the state each year.

“And we are determined to see it that figure continue to grow.

“The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre represents a $128 million investment in business tourism by the Beattie Government.

“A further $23 million is being spent on the stage two expansion of the centre.”

Mrs Keech said it was also great to see such strong interest in the Gold Coast from an emerging tourism market such as China.

She said attracting new markets was a key initiative of the Beattie Government’s Queensland Tourism Strategy.

“Our international focus has changed,” said Mrs Keech.

“We are focusing much more strongly on markets such as China, opening dedicated tourism offices there.

“We expect annual growth of almost 18 per cent from China over the next 10 years.

“I see this visit as part of a continuing partnership between Queensland and China and we would love to welcome more visitors - both business and holidaymakers in the future.”

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007