BUNDABERG ON SHOW TO WORLD TRAVEL INDUSTRY

The world’s travel industry will see the best of Bundaberg as familiarisation tour of the region kicks off today, says Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

International media and travel wholesalers are now touring Queensland as part of the Australian Tourism Exchange, which begins in Brisbane next week.

Mrs Keech said the familiarisation tour was a fantastic opportunity for Bundaberg to show the world all it had to offer as a travel destination.

“There will be 20 US travel experts, who specialise in the Australian market, will visit some of the region’s best-known destinations,” she said.

“A trip to the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery and the Bundaberg Barrel are just some of the exciting events on the tour agenda.

“It’s great to see Bundaberg on show for international visitors - I’m confident they won’t be disappointed.”

Mrs Keech said ATE was the Southern Hemisphere’s largest travel trade show.

“It offers a great opportunity to showcase Queensland to more than 420 key international travel media and wholesalers on 50 tours of our great State,” she said.

“This is a rare opportunity to have the attention of the who’s who of international tourism.

“These familiarisation tours are another way of making the most of having them here on our doorstep.”

Mrs Keech said the groups would visit a myriad of Queensland destinations.

“We have ensured that as many Queensland regions as possible are involved in hosting familiarisation tours as part of this excellent program,” she said.

“The tours will range from three to five days and will visit all our most famous regions, such as Tropical North Queensland, Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and the Whitsundays, as well as giving them a taste of destinations such as the Outback, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Mackay and Townsville.

“This is invaluable exposure for these areas and a fantastic way to take advantage of ATE being held in Queensland.”

Mrs Keech said such visits were crucial in the continuing education of international agents and travel media.

“These famils will involve participants from both our well-established markets such as the UK, the USA, Europe and Japan, and emerging markets, such as China, India, Korea and the Middle East, so they are critical to Queensland’s ongoing strength on the world tourism stage,” she said.

“It is vital that wholesalers and travel media have hands-on experience of Queensland to build their knowledge of our product and sell it to the world.

“There is nothing like experiencing the beauty and variety of Queensland for yourself.

“These tours will help showcase some of Queensland’s most beautiful destinations to some of the world’s most influential agents and journalists – it’s a perfect fit!”

Mrs Keech said the organisation of such an extensive program was thanks to a collaborative effort by all parts of Queensland’s tourism industry.

“Credit must be given to all the regions involved in this massive program,” she said.

“Tourism bodies should be congratulated on bringing these tours together and helping Queensland showcase itself to the world.”

Media contacts:

Minister’s Office: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 / 0421 611 989

Tourism Queensland: Louise Yates 3535 5349 / 0419 713 176.