Published Tuesday, 20 November, 2007 at 04:10 PM

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle

Queensland Government strengthens aviation ties with world

SINGAPORE: Queensland’s international tourism ties have been strengthened thanks to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Queensland Government and international aviation heavyweight, Singapore Airlines.

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle was joined in Singapore by key state tourism industry leaders to sign the important international agreement.

Ms Boyle said the intention of the MOU was to drive visitation to Queensland through joint marketing activities.

“Tourism Queensland has been working very successfully with Singapore Airlines for many years and this three year MOU is a result of this great ongoing relationship.

“Singapore Airlines is one of the most respected and largest travel brands in the world,” Ms Boyle said.

“It also has one of the world's youngest fleets, a network spanning five continents and is the first airline to receive the new large capacity A380 international aircraft.

“International tourism is worth more than $3.6 billion to Queenslander every year and, as a Government, we are committed to growing this figure by partnering with world-leading international airlines.

“By strengthening Queensland’s relationship with Singapore Airlines, we are opening up opportunities in the important international markets of the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.”

Ms Boyle said the joint MOU activities between Tourism Queensland and Singapore International Airlines would complement each party’s existing Queensland tourism promotions.

“As a result of this new agreement, we will see jointly-funded marketing campaigns in the identified emerging markets of China, Korea and India,” she said.

“Tourism Queensland will begin working in cooperation with Singapore Airlines on familiarisations with consumer, trade and media agents to positively promote tourism to Queensland.

“We will also undertake promotional roadshows with Queensland tourism operators and regional tourism organisations, bringing Queensland tourism experiences and key international travel agents and buyers together.”

Minister Boyle was partnered by Tourism Queensland Chairman Don Morris and Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes in discussions with senior Singapore Airline executives.

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Media contact: 3224 2004
20 November 2007