Thirty-six inbound tour operators who work in some of Queensland's key international markets are sampling the tourism delights of the Gold Coast this week, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.
Mr Lawlor said the inbound tour operators (ITOs) were in Queensland from 3 - 7 March as part of a program organised jointly by Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) and sponsored by Qantas.
"While they are in Queensland, the ITOs are meeting with Gold Coast tourism operators and experiencing a wonderful range of tourism product," Mr Lawlor said.
"The Gold Coast has long been famous for its fantastic beaches but this program will also focus on the natural attractions, food and wine of the Gold Coast Hinterland, which adds a new dimension to the Gold Coast experience."
Mr Lawlor said ITOs were a vital link in the distribution chain that sourced an international visitor from their front door at home and to the front door of a tourism business in Queensland.
"The Queensland government is committed to securing jobs and jobs growth - programs such as these help us do just that.
"It's fantastic to see ITOs representing markets from all around the globe, including Japan, China, South East Asia, Europe and the Americas, here to experience our fantastic Queensland destinations and get a first-hand taste of Queensland hospitality."
Mr Lawlor said the ITOs would explore many aspects of the Gold Coast.
"They are travelling up to Mount Tamborine to sample the cuisine and crafts, taking part in iconic Gold Coast activities such as surfing and jet-skiing while also touring the theme parks and visiting the Surfers Paradise night markets," he said.
"The ITOs will also get up close and personal with our native wildlife and experience adventure Gold Coast style through a 4WD tour, cycling tour, boat cruise or kayaking.
Member for Broadwater Peta- Kaye Croft said ITOs were an important way for local tourism suppliers and attractions to raise awareness of themselves and obtain sales overseas.
"Working with an experienced ATEC-member ITO is often the best way for local tourism product to break into the international market because, in many cases, ITOs have built up long-term relationships and trust with overseas sellers,'' Ms Croft said.
Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said that the ATEC workshops were an opportunity for local operators to meet face-to-face with people who work in and understand the international markets being targeted.
"The itinerary has been especially prepared to show them just how diverse the Gold Coast's product and attractions are and give them the knowledge to sell to their international partners."
Mr Lawlor said that international visitors contributed $3.9 billion to Queensland's economy each year.
"The Gold Coast alone received 794,000 international visitors who spent more than $1 billion in the year ending September 2009.
"These figures highlight how important inbound tourism is to the Gold Coast and how events such as this one help grow our international visitation.''
