Published Thursday, 24 July, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
US kids gain hands-on reef experience
Some of America’s future adventure travellers had the unique opportunity for a hands-on Great Barrier Reef experience this week.
Fifteen American children and their parents were in Tropical North Queensland this week on the trip of a lifetime as part of a competition run jointly by Tourism Queensland, Tourism Australia and National Geographic.
The National Geographic Kids Explorer Challenge is an annual national essay and photo competition which gives American children the opportunity to have a hands-on environmental experience in one of the world’s famous nature destinations.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said Australia had been chosen for the 2008 challenge and the children would spend five days of their two week trip in Tropical North Queensland.
“National Geographic is one of the US’ most respected media brands and the benefit of being able to show Tropical North Queensland to millions of Americans through this avenue is immense,” Ms Boyle said.
“Our natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest and wildlife will be showcased across a range of flagship National Geographic mediums including the National Geographic Kids magazine, which has a circulation of 1.3 million, on its website and through the National Geographic cable TV channel.
“Tourism Queensland is also working with Tourism Australia and a US-based travel wholesaler to develop and promote a range of family holiday packages linked to the promotion.
“Australia is a fantastic family holiday destination and what kid wouldn’t see the opportunity to get up close to kangaroos, crocodiles and the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life as the adventure of a lifetime?”
Ms Boyle said instilling a love of Australia in the American children at a young age also had long-term benefit.
“Children are impressionable and if we can inspire them about Australia at an early age they will come back as adults and bring their own families with them,” Ms Boyle said.
Ms Boyle said the children, who were aged between nine and 14 and were from across the United States, took part in a range of hands-on nature-based activities including snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, having “breakfast with the birds”, visiting local wildlife zoos and experiencing indigenous culture.
One of the highlights was the chance to meet Australian children at the Hambledon State School, just south of Cairns, and participate in the school's Reef Guardian Schools program, an initiative of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
The US is Queensland’s fourth largest international visitor market. In the year to March 31, 172,000 Americans spent more than two million nights and $291 million is Queensland.
Minister’s office:
Marcus Taylor 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Kirstie Maier 3224 2007 or 0448 135195
Tourism Queensland:
Kerri Anderson 3535 5010
24 July, 2008
Fifteen American children and their parents were in Tropical North Queensland this week on the trip of a lifetime as part of a competition run jointly by Tourism Queensland, Tourism Australia and National Geographic.
The National Geographic Kids Explorer Challenge is an annual national essay and photo competition which gives American children the opportunity to have a hands-on environmental experience in one of the world’s famous nature destinations.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said Australia had been chosen for the 2008 challenge and the children would spend five days of their two week trip in Tropical North Queensland.
“National Geographic is one of the US’ most respected media brands and the benefit of being able to show Tropical North Queensland to millions of Americans through this avenue is immense,” Ms Boyle said.
“Our natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest and wildlife will be showcased across a range of flagship National Geographic mediums including the National Geographic Kids magazine, which has a circulation of 1.3 million, on its website and through the National Geographic cable TV channel.
“Tourism Queensland is also working with Tourism Australia and a US-based travel wholesaler to develop and promote a range of family holiday packages linked to the promotion.
“Australia is a fantastic family holiday destination and what kid wouldn’t see the opportunity to get up close to kangaroos, crocodiles and the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life as the adventure of a lifetime?”
Ms Boyle said instilling a love of Australia in the American children at a young age also had long-term benefit.
“Children are impressionable and if we can inspire them about Australia at an early age they will come back as adults and bring their own families with them,” Ms Boyle said.
Ms Boyle said the children, who were aged between nine and 14 and were from across the United States, took part in a range of hands-on nature-based activities including snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, having “breakfast with the birds”, visiting local wildlife zoos and experiencing indigenous culture.
One of the highlights was the chance to meet Australian children at the Hambledon State School, just south of Cairns, and participate in the school's Reef Guardian Schools program, an initiative of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
The US is Queensland’s fourth largest international visitor market. In the year to March 31, 172,000 Americans spent more than two million nights and $291 million is Queensland.
Minister’s office:
Marcus Taylor 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Kirstie Maier 3224 2007 or 0448 135195
Tourism Queensland:
Kerri Anderson 3535 5010
24 July, 2008