Great Barrier Reef diving ranks 7th on Japanese wish list
Posted by editor (editor) on Apr 16 2009
2009 >>

Japanese dive enthusiasts voted Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef in their top 10 wish-list of global diving destinations at Asia’s largest diving exhibition last week, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

“Destinations from around the world competed to be in the wish-list and Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef came in at 7th at the annual Tokyo Marine Diving and Resort Fair on the weekend,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The Dive and Resort fair brought together diving representatives from around the globe for a three day show of cutting-edge diving and tropical island travel products and the latest in technology and equipment.

“Tourism Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland had a booth at the exhibition for the eighth year running, with support from Tourism Australia, Cairns diving operators and in partnership with Jetstar and Overseas Travel Agency.”

The Cairns and Islands of the Great Barrier Reef booth increased awareness of the Great Barrier Reef island resorts as well as local diving experiences.

“While the Japanese market to Australia has suffered decline over the past few years it is still Tropical North Queensland’s largest international market and it is important we continue our market presence in these competitive times,” he said.

“Last year, Japanese accounted for 22 percent of all international visitors to the Tropical North, and these 163,000 visitors, supported 2,000 Queensland jobs.

“During the fair’s Dive and Travel Awards, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef were voted 7th on the wish list of global diving destinations.

“Direct consumer promotions to are one of the most effective ways of doing business in Japan, and the Diving and Resort Fair was an ideal opportunity to show off some of Queensland’s top products.”

Mr Lawlor said more than 50,000 diving enthusiasts attended the event last week.

“We are committed to generating interest from international markets and will do everything possible to maximise the benefits for Queensland,” he said.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:05 PM