Two hundred Queensland tourism operators will embark on a Queensland on Tour Roadshow through New South Wales and Victoria next month as part of the joint State and Federal Governments’ $12 million tourism recovery funding package.
Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson, Queensland Senator Jan McLucas and Queensland Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business, Jan Jarratt, said the five-day roadshow would help stimulate travel to Queensland from the domestic market.
“Interest in international visitors often overshadows the fact that domestic travel actually makes up 75 per cent of the total tourism market, which is why the Queensland on Tour – Roadshow initiative has the potential to be so effective,” Minister Ferguson said.
“The 200 tourism operators, both large and small, are from a variety of sectors including wineries, attractions, tour and event companies and accommodation and hail from the 14 regions of Queensland. They will be bussed down the East Coast courtesy of Stonestreet’s Coaches from Toowoomba on their journey as part of a $4.5 million interstate marketing campaign to spread the message that Queensland is open for business.
“The Australian and Queensland Governments have worked closely to help Queensland’s $9.2 billion tourism industry recover from the summer floods and cyclone and reinforce that Nothing Beats Queensland for a holiday.
“The message has been spread far and wide, including through print and online advertising, a radio blitz in China, a state tour with 200 international journalists and the Foreign Minister’s support this week with a visit to the State by Canberra’s diplomatic corps.
“The roadshow participants will arrive in Brisbane on Tuesday, May 3 and divide into four groups, two of which will travel south-east and west visiting a range of regional centres on course for Sydney,” Ms Jarratt said.
“The other two groups will fly with tour partner Qantas directly to Melbourne and drive north before all four meet at the Caravan and Camping Show in Sydney on Saturday, May 7.
“Accommodation along the journey will very generously be provided by Accor Hotels.”
