Tourism Queensland takes on the Milan Bridal Show

Italian brides could be honeymooning here in even greater numbers after Queensland destinations featured in a Milan bridal show last weekend, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said.

Tourism Queensland teamed up with Tourism NT and the South Australian Tourism Commission, Qantas and four Italian wholesalers partners to promote Australia as an ideal honeymoon destination.

“Special Australia Romantica honeymoon packages, featuring destinations like the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and Cairns, were marketed.

“It’s expected that these affordable luxury packages will be well received.

“The European honeymoon market is increasingly big business for tourism in Queensland and our trade partners confirm that 80 to 90 percent of their business to Australia is honeymoon travel.

“Tourism Queensland has been actively promoting Queensland destinations at the Io Sposa bridal show in Milan for a number of years now.

“According to our latest statistics, 78,700 international visitors to the year ending June 2008 came to Queensland for their honeymoon.

“Our trade partners have also confirmed that between 80 to 90 percent of their business to Australia relates to honeymoon travel.

“In the current economic climate it is vital that we are competitive in every tourism market and make the most out of every opportunity.”

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Media contact: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005

7 November 2008