Tourism Minister launches Queensland’s Season of Sailing
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 10 2010
2010 >>

Tourism Queensland’s inaugural Queensland’s Season of Sailing campaign has officially begun highlighting the state’s fantastic winter sailing events which stretch from Brisbane to North Queensland, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.
 
Mr Lawlor said packages showcasing Central Queensland, the Whitsundays and Townsville during the colour and spectacle of the sailing events along Queensland’s coast from August 6 to September 7 would be on sale from June 1.

“The $100,000 campaign is the latest in a series of aggressive and innovative tactical Tourism Queensland campaigns designed to encourage Australians to escape the winter cold,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Whether people are from a sailing background or looking for a fun holiday with a difference, enjoying Queensland’s Season of Sailing is accessible for all.

“We wanted to speak with the sailing fraternity to encourage their friends and family to come up and experience the festival atmosphere that surrounds these events so we are working closely with Yachting Australia to ensure we reach this community nationally at a grass roots level.”

Mr Lawlor said it was also important to remember how easy it was for those who wanted to stay and sail in those regions to get up there while all the sailing event excitement was in full swing.

“Queensland is Australia’s premier sailing destination and I think a lot of people don’t realise they can get out and experience what the destinations have to offer, get a taste of what it’s like to sail and in some cases even take part in the racing,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The beauty is that you don't have to be a professional sailor, there are opportunities to get out on the water for every level of skill and experience.

“Whether it’s attending the race events, learning to sail on a bareboat adventure, or a crewed charter, there is an experience that is sure to suit.”

Mr Lawlor said Tourism Queensland had worked with Capricorn Tourism, Gladstone Area Promotion and Development, Tourism Whitsundays and Townsville Enterprise to develop some incredible packages that covered a range of stay and sail experiences.

“The Hamilton Island Race Week package for example allows people to book with Prosail on board one of their famous maxi yachts, live on board the yacht berthed in Hamilton Island, enjoy the festival atmosphere by night and join the race event by day.

“The Friends and Family Tropic Sail and Stay Deal gives people five nights on a luxury Tropic Sail vessel, two nights in a luxury ocean view apartment at Mariners North Shore (Townsville) and frozen margaritas on the beach on Magnetic Island.

“The Family Bonus Sailing package from $695 for two adults and two children including accommodation and a full day’s sailing around Keppel Island (Central Queensland), is also a great opportunity to introduce a new generation of sailors to the sport.”

Individual race events for Queensland’s Season of Sailing 2010 include:

Brisbane to Keppel - August 6-10
Airlie Race Week – August 12-19
Hamilton Island Race Week –August 20–28
Magnetic Island Race Week – September 3-7

For more information on Queensland’s Season of Sailing and to book packages visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/sailing.

Last changed: Jun 10 2010 at 2:55 PM