KEECH: INFRASTRUCTURE THE KEY TO TOURISM SUCCESS

Published: 16 March 2007.

KEECH: INFRASTRUCTURE THE KEY TO TOURISM SUCCESS
A $750,000 promotional campaign to attract visitors to North and Tropical North Queensland will bombard Australia this weekend, as temperatures cool and southerners seek warmer holiday spots.
Tourism Minister Margaret Keech, in Cairns for the Australian Tourism Exchange Symposium, said the campaign would hit mainstream media outlets across the country on Saturday and run for a concentrated three-week period.
"We are coming into the peak holiday period for the Tropical North and the campaign will strongly reinforce the message that its business as usual in Cairns and Townsville following Cyclone Larry in March," Mrs Keech said.
"Cooperative marketing campaign funds for the regions were boosted to almost $2 million dollars following the cyclone, with contributions of $250K from Sunlover Holidays and the Queensland and Commonwealth governments.
"These funds have gone directly into this campaign - ensuring every dollar is being used to increase tourism business to affected areas.
"The degree of support from industry and government is a measure of the importance of these regions to the wider tourism industry and the local economies.
"While the campaign is being run nationally, coverage will be heavily weighted towards key source markets of Sydney and Melbourne.
"The imagery features stunning photographs taken only last week proving the region is as spectacular as it has ever been.
"Media coverage will be via press, radio, regional television and online channels, and in-store campaign flyers, which are being distributed nationally to all major travel outlets.
"Consumers who book a holiday in the Tropical North during the campaign will also receive special offers such as two nights free accommodation and $100 off tours or flights.
"I encourage all Australians to get behind Tropical Queensland and explore and discover its extraordinary magic now."
Mrs Keech said bookings for campaign packages would be valid until the end of August.
Inquiries: Belinda Carroll 3224 2007
Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development
The Honourable Margaret Keech
18/05/2006