Tourism Futures Conference great success on the Gold Coast
Posted by editor (editor) on Aug 19 2009
2009 >>

The importance of digital marketing in tourism was one of the key topics of interest at this year’s Tourism Futures National Conference which wrapped up on the Gold Coast today, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Mr Lawlor said the three-day event at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa was a chance for tourism leaders from around the country to explore current issues in the industry.

“This was the seventh National Conference on Tourism Futures and the event gave industry an important opportunity to discuss where it is headed in these current tough times,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The role of digital and viral marketing in tourism, both now and in the future, played a major part in this year’s conference as one of the chief themes, and was particularly popular with delegates.

“Such interest reflects the understanding that innovative digital marketing and creativity is one of the keys to our industry’s future success.

“Tourism Queensland has demonstrated this perfectly with its Best Job In The World campaign, which has generated more than $330 million in global publicity from an initial campaign budget of $1.7million.

“Not surprisingly, The Best Job In The World campaign has been a hot topic at the conference this year and an interview with Island Caretaker Ben Southall was also part of the official program.”

Mr Lawlor said the conference also focused on events tourism, destination management, future trends, and sustainability and climate change.

“Delegates were able to hear ideas on a variety of topics from experts, both international and from right here at home, as well as discuss issues and ideas together in workshops and forums.

“Speakers included Access Economics’ Chris Richardson, consumer behaviour expert Ross Honeywell, international trend hunter Daniel Levine from The Avant Garde Institute in New York and Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes.

“There aren’t many times that our industry’s key players, including tourism leaders, operators and government representatives, can all come together at once, so it’s events like this that are so crucial in future development.

“The Tourism Futures National Conference is a key event on the national tourism calendar and, in its seven year history, has only been held outside of Queensland on one occasion.”

Tourism Futures Conference is a joint partnership between Tourism Australia, Tourism Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and Gold Coast Tourism.