I’m a travel agent, get me out of here… and take me to Queensland!
Posted by editor (editor) on May 22 2009
2009 >>

Eighteen influential travel agents from the UK, Ireland and Denmark arrive in Queensland this weekend for a taste of the popular UK TV show I’m a Celebrity… Get me out of here!, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

“The travel agents were selected via a Tourism Queensland competition coinciding with the UK broadcast of the Gold Coast Hinterlands-filmed TV show, which attracted a viewership of about 12 million, or by attending a training event,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The competition and the training event offered travel agents the chance to win a place on the I’m a Travel Agent… Get me out of here! mega familiarisation event via dedicated websites.

“The I’m a Celebrity site received more than 27,000 visitors and 2000 competition entries.

“The Tourism Queensland event, run in partnership with Gold Coast Tourism and Etihad Airways, will see the travel agents follow in the footsteps of I’m a Celebrity stars, starting their trip with a luxurious stay at the Palazzo Versace hotel on the Gold Coast, before participating in ‘bush tucker trials’ at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge.

“The I’m a Travel Agent… Get me out of here! participants will go on an indepth discovery tour of Queensland’s tourism products and destinations, providing them with first-hand experiences to improve their ability to sell Queensland products.

“The participating travel agents come from agencies specialising in travel to Australia, such as Flight Centre, Travel Counsellors, Wexas and Austravel.”

Mr Lawlor said the tourism professionals would also visit Dreamworld, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

“The travel agents will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as kayaking, hiking, learning to surf, snorkelling, scuba diving and a bush tucker tasting,” Mr Lawlor said.

“I’m a travel agent… Get me out of here! will increase international awareness of Queensland destinations and strengthen the position of these regions in the United Kingdom and European markets.

“Increasing awareness of Queensland experiences and generating confidence and understanding about what Queensland has to offer will encourage and assist the travel professionals in selling more Queensland holidays.

“More than two million international visitors came to Queensland in 2008, supporting 28,000 jobs. International tourism is a key economic driver for Queensland.

“During these challenging economic times, activities such as I’m a travel agent… Get me out of here! are crucial in increasing the visibility and presence of Queensland destinations and products in our international markets.”

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:51 PM