SEQ Country Conference to help move tourism forward

Tourism growth, events and regional produce will be key topics at the third annual South East Queensland Country Conference in Toowoomba today, Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle says.

Ms Boyle said the conference would concentrate on major issues affecting tourism in South East Queensland Country, giving local operators tools to help their businesses thrive.

“The South East Queensland Country Conference has been a tremendous success in its first two years,” Ms Boyle said.

“It is an excellent opportunity for tourism operators, government and industry representatives to share ideas on moving tourism in the region forward.

“This year’s event includes presentations from national and international tourism experts on topics such as achieving growth in a changing world, events and regional produce.”

Delegates will hear from the former Director of the successful Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Paul Gudgin, on tourism events development, as well as from Far North Queensland’s Mark Evans, owner of tourist attraction Paronella Park.

“Paronella Park was hit hard by Cyclone Larry in 2006, but Mark and his team’s determination to bounce back is inspirational,” Ms Boyle said.

“There will also be workshops on business mentoring, regional events and cuisine, bundling projects and visitor information centre networking.”

Ms Boyle said this year’s South East Queensland Country Conference had attracted record numbers.

“The 2007 conference is booked out and interest has never been higher,” she said.

“This is testament to the event’s significance to local industry and the skills and insight it provides.”

South East Queensland Country is a partnership between five major regional tourism bodies - Brisbane Marketing, Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism, Southern Downs and Granite Belt Regional Tourism Association, Toowoomba and Golden West Tourism and Tourism Sunshine Coast.

The Conference is also supported by Tourism Queensland and the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, EC3 Global, APN Australian Publishing, University of Queensland, RACQ and other industry sponsors.”

The conference is on Thursday 1 November at Picnic Point, Toowoomba.

For conference information, contact Tourism Queensland on 3535 5470 or email kathyrn.allen@tq.com.au.

Ends

Media contacts:3224 2004 or Nicola Shew (Tourism Queensland) 0412 387 059

1 November 2007