European travel professionals discover Tropical North Queensland
Posted by editor (editor) on Apr 17 2009
2009 >>

Seventeen hand-picked travel professionals from across Western Europe will have an in-depth discovery tour of Tropical North Queensland’s attractions and products this weekend, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor announced today.

“Cairns on Stage will provide tourism wholesalers and decision-makers from Germany, Italy, France and Belgium with first-hand experiences of the Tropical North and show them the quality of Queensland tourism products,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The program will increase international awareness of the destinations and strengthens the position of Tropical North Queensland in the European market.”

Mr Lawlor said the group would also participate in product workshops and networking events, providing opportunities for the region’s tourism operators to build and strengthen business relationships with key European stakeholders.

“The eight-day tour begins on Sunday, with a relaxing break at Thala Beach Lodge, just south of Port Douglas,” he said.

“Then tomorrow the group will experience a taste of the Outback at one of the region’s newest attractions, The Australian Muster Experience at Whyanbeel Valley.”

Mr Lawlor said the participants would then follow one of four itineraries:

• The Bama Way and Reef: a 4WD tour including Cape Tribulation, Cooktown, Aboriginal culture and a cruise to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
• Outback, Rainforest and Reef: including visits to Chillagoe, Mareeba Wetlands, Atherton Tablelands, Manu Rainforest Canopy Walk, Mission Beach and a cruise to Frankland Island reef
• Islands of the Great Barrier Reef: including stays at two island resorts, a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, and a 4WD safari tour of Wooroonooran National Park
• Tropical North Queensland: including a 4WD tour of Daintree National Park, a visit to Kuranda, a trip on the Skyrail, and the chance to feed a kangaroo and cuddle a koala

Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Fair Trading and Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall added the other signature experiences the travel executives will participate in including sailing in Port Douglas, an evening at Cairns Night Zoo, a daytrip to Green Island and a cleansing ale at the Blue Sky Brewery.

“The trip will also include overnight stays in a variety of hotels and resorts throughout the regions, demonstrating the breadth and quality of local accommodation options,” Mr Wettenhall said.

Cairns on Stage is run as part of the Team Cairns partnership between Tourism Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Qantas, and focuses on boosting consumer and trade demand for Tropical North Queensland.

Minister Lawlor said International tourism is a key economic driver for Queensland and during challenging economic times, it is crucial to continue with activities such as Cairns on Stage, which increase the visibility and presence of Queensland destinations and products in international markets.

“We are committed to generating interest from international holiday-makers and will do everything possible to maximise the benefits for Queensland.”

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:10 PM