Queensland tourism gets Kiwis talking
Posted by editor (editor) on Apr 17 2009
2009 >>

Queensland tourism operators will dominate attention at Australia’s largest overseas travel trade and consumer expo in New Zealand this weekend, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

“With 39 Queensland tourism operators participating in OZTalk New Zealand, Queensland will have the largest contingent from Australia, we’ll be flaunting our top Queensland products and we’ll leave New Zealanders asking, ‘Where else but Queensland?” he said.

“OZTalk New Zealand is the biggest overseas travel expo exclusively about Australian tourism.

“It’s the only event of its kind held in New Zealand and is New Zealand’s number one trade event, as well as being a major consumer expo.

“Queensland tourism operators will showcase their product to 250 travel agents, managers, wholesales, trade partners, and media from New Zealand and the Pacific, along with 91 other Australian sellers.

“OZTalk helps New Zealand’s frontline travel agents to learn more about Queensland tourism products and discover unique Queensland travel experiences.

“The expo also includes live performances by Brisbane Aboriginal group Riverlife Mirrabooka, Australian celebrity chefs Mark Olive, Phillip Johnson and Ben O’Donoghue, and Australian idol contestant Dewayne Everett-Smith.”

Mr Lawlor said more people from New Zealand travelled to Queensland every year than from any other country.

“Last year, tourists from New Zealand accounted for 20 percent of international visitors to Queensland and these 400,000 visitors supported 5500 Queensland jobs,” Mr Lawlor said.

“OZTalk focuses on increasing awareness of Queensland tourism destinations and activities and will encourage more tourists from New Zealand to visit.”

OZTalk is now in its ninth year and is run by Tourism Australia, in partnership with Tourism Queensland and other state tourism operators, airlines and industry sponsors.

“The expo allows Queensland tourism operators to build and strengthen business relationships with key New Zealand travel trade contacts, whilst demonstrating to them the quality of Queensland tourism options,” Mr Lawlor said.

“It raises the profile of both the tourism operators and Queensland destinations.

“International tourism is a key economic driver for Queensland and during challenging economic times, activities such as OZTalk are crucial in increasing the visibility and presence of Queensland destinations and products in international markets.

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

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:07 PM