More than 11 million Chinese per day will be able to read about South East Queensland's ecotourism attractions when a journalist from China's most popular online travel website visits this week, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.
Mr Lawlor said the journalist from travel website Sohu.com would join writers from five other major Asian newspapers and magazines on a joint Tourism Queensland and Tourism Australia "Travel Green" media tour exploring the region's national parks, beaches and food and wine experiences.
"This media tour will showcase South East Queensland's stunning natural attractions and enviable lifestyle to audiences in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan," Mr Lawlor said.
"The Queensland government is determined to secure and increase jobs in the state's tourism industry and this tour will go a long way to doing just that.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for the media from these markets to experience South East Queensland's fabulous natural environment and tell their audiences back home about it."
Mr Lawlor said the group would visit Lamington National Park, Mount Tamborine, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island.
"Their activities will include rainforest walking, meeting Australian native animals, sampling organically grown Queensland produce, visiting galleries and craft shops, taking a surf lesson and enjoying a 4WD tour to Fraser Island," Mr Lawlor said.
"The media tour will raise awareness of Queensland as a holiday destination in the Chinese, Hong Kong and Taiwanese markets, which are important international markets for Queensland."
Mr Lawlor said in the year ended September 2009, 142,000 Chinese visitors, 36,000 Hong Kong visitors and 51,000 Taiwanese visitors came to Queensland.
Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said the group would enjoy Queensland holiday experiences that were sought after by the Greater China markets.
"Chinese visit ors want to interact with native Australian animals, enjoy our natural landscapes and take part in our beach culture," Mr Hayes said.
"Queensland's variety of experiences, quality accommodation and amazing lifestyle are also highly sought after, as are adventure options and our appeal to families."
