Tourism operators to shine in land of the rising sun

Sixteen Queensland tourism operators will travel to Japan this week as part of a tourism trade mission, showcasing the State’s holiday experiences to up to 300 travel wholesalers and retail agents.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the Queensland on Tour Japan trade mission, organised by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) with the support of Jetstar, would visit Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo from 9–12 September.

“Queensland on Tour Japan is a great way to raise awareness of our State’s tourism experiences and events, in one of Queensland’s most important international markets,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Japan is Queensland’s fourth-largest international market with 169,000 Japanese visitors heading to Queensland in the year to June 2013, a one per cent increase on the year prior.

“They stayed more than 2.6 million nights and spent $312 million on their trips during this period.

“The tour provides operators with the opportunity to educate influential Japanese tourism players on Queensland tourism products and events and negotiate future business deals.”

Ms Stuckey said activities such as Queensland on Tour Japan would help entice more visitors to the State from this key market and supported the goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.

“Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and operators from several Queensland destinations will be represented on the mission including wildlife parks, island resorts, theme parks and accommodation providers,” she said.

“Queensland on Tour Japan will be followed by ‘Dreamtime 2013’ in December – a Tourism Australia event dedicated to showcasing Australia’s outstanding incentive experiences to international business events buyers and media.

“Approximately 100 international business events decision-makers and international media will be invited to participate in the event, including a contingent from Japan.

“TEQ will support the event, which will see delegates embarking on pre or post-familiarisation tours in Queensland.”

[ENDS] 9 September 2013

Media contact: Minister’s Office – 3224 2002                                

Tourism and Events Queensland – 3535 5840

Tourism operators participating in Queensland on Tour Japan 2013 are:

CaPTA Group (Tropical North Queensland)

Doki Doki Tours (Tropical North Queensland)

Balloon with Hot Air Cairns & Gold Coast (Tropical North Queensland, Gold Coast)

Port Douglas Connections (Tropical North Queensland)

Quicksilver Connections (Tropical North Queensland)

Seawalker Green Island (Tropical North Queensland)

Shangri-La Hotel The Marina Cairns (Tropical North Queensland)

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (Tropical North Queensland)

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (Tropical North Queensland)

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (Tropical North Queensland)

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (Gold Coast)

Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre (Gold Coast)

Hotel Grand Chancellor Australia (Brisbane, Gold Coast)

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (Brisbane)

Tangalooma Island Resort (Brisbane)

Village Roadshow Theme Parks (Gold Coast)

Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast (Gold Coast)

Gold Coast Tourism (Gold Coast)