Ben Southall markets Queensland as Best Holiday in the World to the Middle East
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 10 2010
2010 >>

Queensland Tourism Ambassador Ben Southall has arrived in the Middle East to promote Queensland as the Best Holiday in the World to more than 8000 potential holidaymakers at the Emirates Holidays World Travel Event.

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said Ben would speak to a range of Middle Eastern media and travel industry and welcome them to Queensland.

“During Ben’s visit he will meet with senior officials from Emirates Airlines and talk with tourism trade representatives at an Australian Business Council event,” Mr Lawlor said.

“More than 8000 people are expected to attend the Emirates Holidays World Travel event in Dubai where Ben will launch the ‘A World of Choice 2010 – 2011’ brochure, which prominently features both Queensland and Australia.

“Prior to the launch Ben will also talk extensively with media about his experiences in Queensland and work as the Caretaker for the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

“He will also have the opportunity to meet with more than 400 senior travel industry representatives from the Gulf Countries, Middle East and North Africa and who will be attending the event to participate in training days and learn more about the Queensland experience.”

Mr Lawlor said the Middle East had been identified as a key source market for Australia with arrivals forecast to grow more than 12 percent per year between 2008 – 2013.

“In the past year Queensland welcomed more than 20,500 visitors from the Middle East and North Africa, an increase of 51 percent based on a three-year trend,” he said.

“Additionally, Middle Eastern visitors to Australia contributed $582 million to the Australian economy over the past year.

“The Middle East is certainly displaying significant potential and emerging as a priority for Queensland tourism.

“Emirates currently operate a double daily service into Brisbane from Dubai which equates to a potential 4200 visitors into the state each week.

“Tourism Queensland has also established a memorandum of understanding with Emirates and as a result of these arrangements has been working closely with the Middle Eastern aviation partner on a range of promotional activities, including Ben’s visit.”

Last changed: Jun 10 2010 at 2:46 PM