International travel to Queensland is looking up for 2010 according to Tourism Queensland's international regional directors, who were on the Gold Coast 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 the Gold Coast from around the world to update the Gold Coast tourism industry on the latest trends and issues affecting their markets.
Minister for Tourism Peter Lawlor said the briefings gave Gold Coast 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 on the back of positive aviation news for the Gold Coast in recent months," Mr Lawlor said.
"Feedback from our international markets is that things are looking positive for 2010 with a gradual return in consumer confidence.
"Earlier this month, Air Asia X increased to daily services between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast.
"In addition, Tourism Queensland launched a $400,000 international tourism marketing campaign in early February encouraging Kiwis to cross "The Ditch".
"As part of this campaign, this week, Tourism Queensland's New Zealand office has been hosting some of New Zealand's top radio presenters on the Gold Coast, showing them the sights, sounds and exciting holiday experiences.
"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.
"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."
Mr Lawlor said that in the year to September 2009, the Gold Coast received 794,000 international visitors, who spent more than $1 billion on their trips.
"The Gold Coast's tourism industry has faced a tough year," he said.
"Tourism is a major driver for the Gold Coast 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 - 07 3224 2002
Tourism Queensland - 07 3535 5356
