International travel to Queensland is looking up for 2010 according to Tourism Queensland's international regional directors, who were in Cairns today to speak with the local tourism industry.
The Tourism Queensland Regional Directors, who look after Queensland's key international markets including Japan, the UK, North America, Europe, China, Middle East, India and South East Asia, travelled to Cairns from around the world to update the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry on the latest trends and issues affecting their markets.
Minister for Tourism Peter Lawlor said the briefings gave Tropical North Queensland tourism operators market intelligence on Queensland's key international tourism markets in 2010 "straight from the horse's mouth".
"There's a big year ahead of us, coming out of the global financial crisis and off the back of the 'Best Job In The World' campaign," Mr Lawlor said.
"Feedback from our international markets is that thi ngs are looking positive for 2010 with a gradual return in consumer confidence.
"The Best Job in the World delivered an unprecedented level of exposure for Queensland and is helping convert awareness into tangible sales for Queensland tourism operators.
"There are some early signs that the Best Job in the World campaign is making an impact, for example with young travellers from Britain and Europe.
"No one knows the latest trends, issues and opportunities in our international markets better than our teams working on the ground overseas," Mr Lawlor said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said these market briefings are a fantastic opportunity for local tourism operators, whether they regularly work in a particular market, or are thinking of entering a new market, to get up-to-the-minute market intelligence.
"In the year to September 2009, Tropical North Queensland received 667,000 international visitors, who spent $919 million on their trips," he said.
"The Tropical North's tourism industry has faced a tough year.
"Tourism is a major driver for the Tropical North Queensland economy and it's more important now than ever for our industry to work together.
"These market briefings are an important tool in enabling our operators to meet Tourism Queensland's international regional directors and help them gain vital market intelligence."
Further information:
Minister's office - 3224 2002
Tourism Queensland - 3535 5356
