Queensland tourism operators take Queensland on Tour to China
Posted by editor (editor) on Mar 18 2010
2010 >>

A group of 25 tourism operators will take a slice of Queensland sunshine to China this week in a bid to promote Queensland to some of the state’s most significant international markets.

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said the Queensland on Tour trade mission would bring together operators from Cairns, Whitsundays, Brisbane and the Gold Coast with some of China’s most influential travel wholesalers, retail agents, airlines and other key decision-makers.

“The delegates on this Tourism Queensland-led mission will arrive in China on Monday 8 March, and will take part in a series of workshop events in Shanghai and Lijiang,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The aim of this road show is to essentially increase the Chinese travel industry’s knowledge of Queensland tropical and coastal destinations and to help the state’s tourism operators expand their networks with key trade partners.”

Mr Lawlor said the inbound market from China was forecast to grow strongly over the next decade.

“China is Queensland’s fifth largest international source market with the state welcoming 142,000 Chinese visitors in the year ended September 2009,” he said.

“In the same period, 96,000 Chinese visitors travelled to the Gold Coast, 56,000 to Brisbane and 34,000 to Tropical North Queensland.

“Chinese visitors are also spending more than ever, contributing $269 million to the Queensland economy in the year to September 2009, 33 percent more than during the previous year.”

Tourism Queensland Acting CEO Steve McRoberts said the Queensland on Tour mission was a great way to capitalise on the buzz created in China from the Best Job in the World campaign.

“Candidate Yi Yao was a top 16 finalist of the Best Job in the World campaign and was hugely popular in the Chinese community,” Mr McRoberts said.

“Queensland on Tour gives us the advantage of capitalising on the success of the campaign, and further push Queensland as a premier holiday destination.”

Mr McRoberts said Queensland on Tour was part of an ongoing initiative to increase Chinese visitors over the forthcoming years.

“We see great potential for this market and will continue to work with our industry partners to help us realise this potential,” he said.

Last changed: Mar 18 2010 at 1:16 PM