Gold Coast tourism on positive road for 2009
Posted by editor (editor) on May 01 2009
2009 >>

Helping the Gold Coast tourism sector to survive the global financial crisis is a major priority for the State Government in 2009, the new Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading, Member for Southport Peter Lawlor announced today.

Addressing a Women in Tourism breakfast at Currumbin, he said Tourism Queensland had already generated a number of marketing campaigns this year to boost business for local tourism operators.

“These include the 10-week Hot Hits campaign which started on 19 April and will reach more than 4.5 million loyal listeners of Austereo’s Today and Triple M networks,” he said.

“It will primarily target Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne holidaymakers to take a post Easter break in what is traditionally a slow period for Gold Coast tourism operators.

“Other campaigns so far this year, include a partnership between Virgin Blue and Blue Holidays, Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast Tourism to promote Gold Coast holiday packages in the Sydney and Melbourne markets.

“This campaign generated $862,000 in sales for a $150,000 investment.

“Earlier this year Tourism Queensland also hosted Queensland’s Bonus Breaks campaign which generated thousands of extra room nights for the Gold Coast by urging Australians to spend their Government bonuses on a holiday.”

Mr Lawlor said that Gold Coast was one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, with a population of around 500,000 and predicted to grow by 13.6% by 2011.

“The State Government’s single most important priority is job creation,” he said.

“Tourism alone accounts for more than 28,000 jobs on the Coast and we are committed to protecting these jobs. “

Mr Lawlor said Tourism Queensland planned to run major retail campaigns this year to bring immediate sales to the local tourism industry.

“It will also increase its marketing spend in interstate and intrastate markets to continue to encourage people to holiday closer to home,” he said.

“And it will increase its activity in two potentially lucrative international markets – New Zealand and China.”

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:19 PM