NO NEED TO 'ROUGH IT' IN AUSTRALIA'S CARAVANNING CAPITAL

More visitors are seeing Queensland from the lap of luxury without having to leave the road, says Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Officially opening the Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday show in Brisbane today, Mrs Keech said camping and caravanning holidays were no longer about ‘roughing it’.

“It’s clear from some of the specimens on show here today that people are ensuring their camper or caravan is a home away from home, with all the little luxuries,” she said.

“Much like the top-shelf Liberty One, which I had the pleasure of launching today, that takes campervan design to futuristic new heights.

“But whether it’s from a humble tent or a top-of-the-line campervan, what’s clear is that more domestic and international visitors are taking a tour of our great state.

“Queensland is made for holidays, so it’s no surprise this is Australia’s caravanning capital.

“Last year almost one million visitors stayed in a Queensland caravan park or commercial camping ground.

“Many of those were Queenslanders wanting to see more of their home state, but the number of international tourists taking a camping or caravanning trip is on the rise.”

Mrs Keech said the Beattie Government had launched a series of initiatives designed to encourage visitors to hit the road and discover Queensland.

“The international visitor market in this sector is one we are keen to focus on,” she said.

“Queensland has the lion’s share of the international motorhome and caravanning market at a whopping 42 per cent.

“This is a lucrative market , with international visitors staying an about four days longer on average than domestic visitors.

“Just last month Premier Peter Beattie and I launched the new Great Sunshine Way touring route map to international media and travel buyers gathered in Brisbane for the Australian Tourism Exchange.

“It was attracting interest from international markets within 48 hours of its launch.

“There is clearly real potential with international touring, particularly in combination with new eco-tourism experiences.

“The Beattie government has been working hard in partnership with the Department of Main Roads, the EPA and local communities to improve visitor access to some of our most beautiful and pristine areas.

“The Great Sunshine Way is just one of 14 themed touring routes we have developed to guide willing wanderers to some of the most picturesque and perfect places in the State.

“We have also installed significant road and tourist signage along the highways and byways of this beautiful state through the $6 million Drive program.

“I’m sure all these great initiatives, and combined with shows such as the Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday show, will encourage even more people to get out there and truly experience Queensland.”

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 / 0439 761 416