Published Wednesday, 19 November, 2008 at 05:00 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Whitsundays a drawcard for Middle East visitors
DUBAI: Senior travel industry representatives from the Middle East will visit the Whitsundays as part of Tourism Queensland-organised familiarisation next year, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said today.
Ms Boyle, who is visiting the United Arab Emirates, said the Middle East travel industry representatives would take part in a four-day familiarisation to the Whitsundays after attending the Australian tourism trade event “Yinala” at the Gold Coast from March 8 to 11.
“Tourism Queensland and Tourism Australia secured the “Yinala” event for 2009 and while it is being hosted at the Gold Coast this major trade show also presents a significant opportunity for other Queensland destinations,” she said.
“Middle Eastern visitors to Queensland usually travel in large family groups, stay longer and spend more than the average visitor.
“Last year 30,000 Middle Eastern visitors, mainly from the Gulf States, spent an average 36 nights each in Queensland – double that of the average international visitor.”
Ms Boyle said the VIP guests would have the opportunity to explore the Whitsundays during their visit.
“Whitsunday tourism operators will be able to strengthen ties with representatives from one of the most lucrative international markets for our industry, which in turn will assist to increase the number of Middle East visitors to the region,” she said.
“Not only do we want more Middle Eastern visitors to come to Queensland, we want them to come back and visit new destinations such as the Whitsundays which are largely untapped for this market,” she said.
Ms Boyle said in addition to hosting Yinala, in April next year Tourism Queensland would lead its annual Queensland on Tour trade mission to the Gulf States, giving Queensland tourism operators the opportunity to meet and do business with senior travel executives.
Ends
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Tourism Queensland: 3535 5010
19 November 2008
Ms Boyle, who is visiting the United Arab Emirates, said the Middle East travel industry representatives would take part in a four-day familiarisation to the Whitsundays after attending the Australian tourism trade event “Yinala” at the Gold Coast from March 8 to 11.
“Tourism Queensland and Tourism Australia secured the “Yinala” event for 2009 and while it is being hosted at the Gold Coast this major trade show also presents a significant opportunity for other Queensland destinations,” she said.
“Middle Eastern visitors to Queensland usually travel in large family groups, stay longer and spend more than the average visitor.
“Last year 30,000 Middle Eastern visitors, mainly from the Gulf States, spent an average 36 nights each in Queensland – double that of the average international visitor.”
Ms Boyle said the VIP guests would have the opportunity to explore the Whitsundays during their visit.
“Whitsunday tourism operators will be able to strengthen ties with representatives from one of the most lucrative international markets for our industry, which in turn will assist to increase the number of Middle East visitors to the region,” she said.
“Not only do we want more Middle Eastern visitors to come to Queensland, we want them to come back and visit new destinations such as the Whitsundays which are largely untapped for this market,” she said.
Ms Boyle said in addition to hosting Yinala, in April next year Tourism Queensland would lead its annual Queensland on Tour trade mission to the Gulf States, giving Queensland tourism operators the opportunity to meet and do business with senior travel executives.
Ends
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Tourism Queensland: 3535 5010
19 November 2008