Queensland invites Mardi Gras revellers to recover in paradise
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 10 2009
2009 >>

Queensland’s laid back lifestyle and magnificent islands and beaches will be used to lure Sydney’s 2010 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras revellers to the Sunshine State for a week of rest and relaxation, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Mr Lawlor said the Queensland Mardi Gras Recovery Week would be held from 1 – 7 March 2010 and Tourism Queensland had joined forces with Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia to offer a range of fantastic recovery holiday deals for tired party-goers.

“Our aim is to attract the 5000 international visitors who travel to Sydney to attend the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras each year and entice them to extend their stay and travel north to relax and recover,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Queensland Mardi Gras Recovery Week will kick off in Noosa on Monday 1 March and will finish off with the Big Gay Day street party in Brisbane on Sunday 7 March.

“The week long program of festivities includes a fully escorted wilderness day trip to Fraser Island, a day of snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef at Lady Elliot Island, a gala beachside dinner in Noosa and a cruise along the Brisbane River.

“Other key events include a tour of Australia Zoo, Hastings Street dance party, pool party at Peregian and the Brisbane Big Gay Day Street party.”

Mr Lawlor said a dedicated Mardi Gras Recovery Week website, which features a range of useful links for transport and accommodation options, had been launched by Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia with Tourism Queensland’s support.

“Our focus is on communicating primarily with gay and lesbian visitors from key international markets such as the UK, Europe, US and Canada and the site incorporates useful booking functions for visitors from these markets,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Tourism Queensland together with Virgin Blue Holidays will also promote Mardi Gras Recovery Week domestically through a series of advertisements in prominent gay and lesbian print publications and online websites.”

Mr Lawlor said Queensland was perfectly placed to host the Mardi Gras Recovery Week with the combination of the laid-back sub-tropical city of Brisbane through to the sun, surf and fun of the Sunshine Coast.

“We want to remind Mardi Gras goers that an hour’s flight from Sydney will land them in paradise for seven days and nights of relaxation, adventure and fun,” he said.

“While gay and lesbian travellers enjoy the same experiences as other travellers, they spend more than the average visitor, splurging on items such as luxury accommodation, dining out and shopping.

“Queensland has a wide range of tourism products and experiences that perfectly fit this bill.”

For more information on the Queensland Mardi Gras Recovery Week visit – www.mardigrasrecoveryweek.com

Last changed: Nov 10 2009 at 9:33 AM