NEW GUIDE DRIVES VISITORS TO SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND COUNTRY

Visitors and locals can ‘choose their own adventure’ around the state’s south east with the launch of a new touring guide for the drive market, says Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech said the new 2007 South East Queensland Country Touring Guide would help boost the region’s growing short-break visitor market.

The ninth annual touring guide offered a comprehensive guide to exploring the region, she said

“This year’s touring guide encourages travellers to ‘choose their own adventure’ and explore parts of the area they may never have visited before,” said Mrs Keech.

“The touring guide helps visitors discover local history, townships, wineries, food, art and culture they might not have known existed, and all in easy driving distance.

“Whether you want to stick to the highways or go off the beaten track, this guide offers many inspirational ideas.

“It also contains maps, regional information, touring itinerary suggestions and contact details for visitor information centres and tourist associations.

“It will help visitors to plan a week away or just a weekend getaway, offering detailed event and product listings and information on places to stay, places to eat and regional attractions.

“One of the main challenges in growing visitation in the area is raising awareness of what the ever-changing destination has to offer.

“These tourism initiatives are so important to South East Queensland Country, generating significant economic and employment opportunities.”

Mrs Keech said the guide featured nine different drives, and was linked to the RACQ on-line trip planner.

The guide was produced by Tourism Queensland and the area’s five Regional Tourism Organisations - Southern Downs Tourist Association, Toowoomba and Golden West Tourism, Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism, Tourism Sunshine Coast and Brisbane Marketing.

“These organisations manage tourism for some of the most unique Queensland landscapes including the Granite Belt, Bunya Mountains, Blackall Ranges and Glass House Mountains and Lamington National Park,” Mrs Keech said.

“The free guide will be distributed through RACQ branches and Visitor Information Centres throughout Queensland.

“It will also be distributed along major highways into the region from NSW and Victoria, consumer shows and expos and from Tourism Queensland International Offices,” she said.

For a free South East Queensland Country Touring Guide visit www.southeastqueenslandcountry.com.au.

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 or 0421 611 989