Published Thursday, 13 November, 2008 at 05:00 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Never a better time for Japanese media to visit Gold Coast
A group of Japanese travel writers will be treated to iconic Australian experiences when they visit the Gold Coast this weekend.
Arriving from Tokyo on Saturday, 15 November the 10 journalists will spend five days in south-east Queensland as part of a media familiarisation tour organised by Tourism Queensland, Tourism Australia, Gold Coast Tourism and Gold Coast tourism operators.
During their visit, the journalists will get a chance to meet with lifesavers, cuddle koalas, go hot air ballooning, visit theme parks, walk through National Parks and take part in experiences such as glow worm tours and wildlife night tours.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said given the current global economic climate there had never been a more important time for Queensland to focus on its second largest international tourism market – Japan.
“The Japanese market is critical to the Gold Coast with 123,000 Japanese spending 1.168 million nights in the region in the year to June 2008,” she said.
Ms Boyle said the media familiarisation was timely, given new Jetstar flights would begin flying direct from Tokyo five times a week from 18 December.
“We are committed to working with the Japanese travel industry and airlines to ensure Queensland remains a destination of choice for the Japanese.”
Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said it was time for Japanese to see the Gold Coast in a different, more experiential light.
“The Gold Coast experience has grown so much, there is even more for the Japanese traveller to encounter than ever before and this is reflected as much in our unique natural attractions as our new cosmopolitan developments,” he said.
“Together we are promoting the fun and excitement of the Gold Coast and the warmth and friendliness of our locals to some of Japan’s most important travel influencers.”
With this in mind, Gold Coast Tourism have teamed up with Australia’s largest and most awarded Surf Lifesaving Club, Northcliffe SLSC to create the Gold Coast Beach Club.
This experience, which will be launched on 01 December, offers guests a Japanese-friendly beach precinct where they will be greeted and provided the opportunity to experience a range of quintessential Gold Coast beachside activities.
* The visiting journalists will be available for photo opportunities and interviews.
Ends
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Tourism Queensland: 3535 5010
Arriving from Tokyo on Saturday, 15 November the 10 journalists will spend five days in south-east Queensland as part of a media familiarisation tour organised by Tourism Queensland, Tourism Australia, Gold Coast Tourism and Gold Coast tourism operators.
During their visit, the journalists will get a chance to meet with lifesavers, cuddle koalas, go hot air ballooning, visit theme parks, walk through National Parks and take part in experiences such as glow worm tours and wildlife night tours.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said given the current global economic climate there had never been a more important time for Queensland to focus on its second largest international tourism market – Japan.
“The Japanese market is critical to the Gold Coast with 123,000 Japanese spending 1.168 million nights in the region in the year to June 2008,” she said.
Ms Boyle said the media familiarisation was timely, given new Jetstar flights would begin flying direct from Tokyo five times a week from 18 December.
“We are committed to working with the Japanese travel industry and airlines to ensure Queensland remains a destination of choice for the Japanese.”
Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said it was time for Japanese to see the Gold Coast in a different, more experiential light.
“The Gold Coast experience has grown so much, there is even more for the Japanese traveller to encounter than ever before and this is reflected as much in our unique natural attractions as our new cosmopolitan developments,” he said.
“Together we are promoting the fun and excitement of the Gold Coast and the warmth and friendliness of our locals to some of Japan’s most important travel influencers.”
With this in mind, Gold Coast Tourism have teamed up with Australia’s largest and most awarded Surf Lifesaving Club, Northcliffe SLSC to create the Gold Coast Beach Club.
This experience, which will be launched on 01 December, offers guests a Japanese-friendly beach precinct where they will be greeted and provided the opportunity to experience a range of quintessential Gold Coast beachside activities.
* The visiting journalists will be available for photo opportunities and interviews.
Ends
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Tourism Queensland: 3535 5010