Published Thursday, 26 June, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Whitsunday tourism in focus as Tourism Minister and industry meet
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle will join the board of Tourism Queensland in Airlie Beach today to meet with the Whitsunday tourism industry.
The board will take a local industry tour before further discussions are held into plans to offset the weather effected peak season and regional airline cuts.
Minister Boyle said she commended Tourism Whitsundays and the local industry for their serious yet forward-focused approach to what has been a devastating year so far for the region.
“At our last meeting the industry came with clear ideas and plans all of which were discussed in detail.
“Today’s meeting will provide important follow-up on the issues raised previously.
“Our most difficult challenge is to find ways of replacing the airline capacity cuts to the region.
“While the State Government is currently in discussions about potential flight replacements we may need to turn our focus to other strategies.
“This would include ensuring flights still heading into the Whitsundays are at capacity and strengthening areas such as intrastate and drive tourism.
Ms Boyle said that marketing campaigns and trade promotions would stimulate both of these.
“We have already increased our marketing efforts and will soon be running additional trade promotions.
“What we also will be saying to Queenslanders and Australians is holiday locally – if you want to see the Wonders of World start with the ones in your own backyard.
“We can employ the best advertisers in the world, use the latest and best photo technology but nothing can replicate the experience of actually visiting, seeing and exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays,” she said.
Ms Boyle said Queensland stands apart from all other states because of its diversity of experiences and we must maintain this distinct advantage.
“Where else can you go and see the reef, tropical islands, the outback, wineries, World Heritage Listed rainforests, world class shopping and some of the best surf beaches in the world – all in one week.
“Our proposition to tourists is get all of your holiday experiences in one state.
“That is something no one can compete with.
“Fly into Cairns, fly out of Coolangatta and enjoy everything in between!” She said.
Tourism Queensland will be holding a board meeting on Hamilton Island on Friday.
The Whitsundays will also be hosting the board of Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Chairs and Managers of the state’s Regional Tourism Organisations to discuss the state Tourism Network Review.
The Tourism Network Review is an industry led Queensland Government initiative to improve the efficiency of the state tourism industry, preparing and ensuring its future domestic and international competitiveness.
Ends
Media contact: Marcus Taylor 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
26 June 2008
The board will take a local industry tour before further discussions are held into plans to offset the weather effected peak season and regional airline cuts.
Minister Boyle said she commended Tourism Whitsundays and the local industry for their serious yet forward-focused approach to what has been a devastating year so far for the region.
“At our last meeting the industry came with clear ideas and plans all of which were discussed in detail.
“Today’s meeting will provide important follow-up on the issues raised previously.
“Our most difficult challenge is to find ways of replacing the airline capacity cuts to the region.
“While the State Government is currently in discussions about potential flight replacements we may need to turn our focus to other strategies.
“This would include ensuring flights still heading into the Whitsundays are at capacity and strengthening areas such as intrastate and drive tourism.
Ms Boyle said that marketing campaigns and trade promotions would stimulate both of these.
“We have already increased our marketing efforts and will soon be running additional trade promotions.
“What we also will be saying to Queenslanders and Australians is holiday locally – if you want to see the Wonders of World start with the ones in your own backyard.
“We can employ the best advertisers in the world, use the latest and best photo technology but nothing can replicate the experience of actually visiting, seeing and exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays,” she said.
Ms Boyle said Queensland stands apart from all other states because of its diversity of experiences and we must maintain this distinct advantage.
“Where else can you go and see the reef, tropical islands, the outback, wineries, World Heritage Listed rainforests, world class shopping and some of the best surf beaches in the world – all in one week.
“Our proposition to tourists is get all of your holiday experiences in one state.
“That is something no one can compete with.
“Fly into Cairns, fly out of Coolangatta and enjoy everything in between!” She said.
Tourism Queensland will be holding a board meeting on Hamilton Island on Friday.
The Whitsundays will also be hosting the board of Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Chairs and Managers of the state’s Regional Tourism Organisations to discuss the state Tourism Network Review.
The Tourism Network Review is an industry led Queensland Government initiative to improve the efficiency of the state tourism industry, preparing and ensuring its future domestic and international competitiveness.
Ends
Media contact: Marcus Taylor 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
26 June 2008