NEW REASONS TO HIT THE ROAD ON A QUEENSLAND HOLIDAY

Another five highways have joined the convoy of great Queensland holiday road trips.

Phase two of the Drive Tourism Program was launched today by Tourism Minister Margaret Keech and acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Desley Boyle.

Holidaymakers are being urged to hit the road and discover the beauty of Queensland on new designated tourist trails stretching from the mountains to the sea.

Mrs Keech said the Country Way, Leichhardt Highway, Great Inland Way, Capricorn Highway and Pacific Coast Touring Route would offer road-trippers exciting new adventures.

The new numbered and signed tourist trails throughout the state would help motorists plan and enjoy their driving holidays, she said.

The two Ministers today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to begin the second phase of the Drive Tourism partnership between Tourism Queensland, Main Roads and Queensland Transport.

“Our Drive Tourism Program is possibly the best example of industry co-operation within Australia. It involves more than 75 local government authorities, 75 visitor centres and 25 Regional Tourism Offices,” Mrs Keech said.

“The road system continues to play a crucial role in developing tourism in regional communities.

“More than 70% of all Queensland holidays are motoring holidays with tourists driving a $4.4 billion boost to the state’s economy every year.

“This program drives the tourist dollar further into regions that otherwise wouldn’t share in the economic bonanza cashed-up visitors bring.

“New figures from Tourism Queensland and Main Roads show tourists now account for up to 60 per cent of all light vehicles on regional roads.

“The Drive Queensland Program is a key strategy in accelerating the continuing development of Queensland’s tourism industry.”

Ms Boyle said the scheme was designed with motorists in mind, making it easy to use.

“For example we’ve named the Bruce Highway from Brisbane to Port Douglas the A1 tourist route and the Capricorn Highway from Rockhampton to Barcaldine the A4,” Ms Boyle said.

“It’s a motorist friendly system with odd numbers given to highways running north-south and even numbers assigned to roads connecting east with west.

“Identifying a tourist route in Queensland couldn’t be simpler and let’s face it holidays should be stress free and relaxing.

“The system is already proving a winner particularly for international and interstate travellers who don’t have the benefit of an intimate knowledge of local geography.

“It’s going a long way to encouraging tourists to get behind the wheel, hit the highway and explore more of the Sunshine State.”

For more information on hitting the road for a Queensland driving holiday, go to www.driveqld.com.au.

Media Contacts:

Tourism Minister’s office: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005

Transport Minister’s office: Darren Roberts 3237 1947