Queensland's tourism operators encouraged to sign a pledge

Queensland's tourism operators are being encouraged to sign a pledge as a reminder to offer their customers the best ever holiday experience as part of a new Tourism Queensland campaign.
On Wednesday, Queensland Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business, Jan Jarratt, unveiled The Queensland Pledge ï¾ an undertaking and reminder for Queensland tourism operators, individuals and other businesses of the importance and value in offering the highest possible service levels.
The Pledge is about surprising visitors with added extras and never underestimating the power of a Queensland holiday experience.
Minister Jarratt said The Queensland Pledge was the next phase of the joint Bligh and Gillard Government's $10 million tourism marketing package, stating "the Queensland Pledge confirms that Queensland is staging a spectacular comeback following the floods and cyclone.
"Last week we told the world that Nothing Beats Queensland as Australia's top holiday destination and today this statement is being put into action by offering a pledge to Queensland visitors.
"We have seen the Queensland spirit shine through as communities across the state and the rest of the nation have joined together to help one another through the recovery.
"Now we are asking tourism operators to sign the Pledge to help formalise the levels of service they know they need to offer to run profitable and sustainable businesses, offering a uniquely Queensland holiday experience.''
Minister Jarratt said The Queensland Pledge, which can be downloaded free from Tourism Queensland's website (see link below), could be printed, signed and displayed for visitors as a clear indication that the state's tourism industry would not be beaten.
The Minister added "the negative global media publicity generated over recent weeks has given the impression that most of Queensland's tourism destinations were affected by natural disaster ï¾ which has resulted in a downturn in holiday bookings across the state, including to those regions that were unscathed.
"To bring visitors back we are encouraging our businesses to go that extra mile, give that extra smile and show the world that Queensland is and always will be where Australia shines and where the Australian spirit shines through."
The Queensland Pledge includes the undertakings:
ï¾We will pull out all stops to thank visitors for their support, by giving them the best holiday experiences possible.
ï¾We will turn our service level up to 11.
ï¾As individuals, companies and organisations, we are committed to being the best ambassadors for Queensland.
ï¾Together, we will unite to bring visitors back, and give them a reason to keep coming back.
ï¾Our actions will be evidence that Queensland is the place where Australia - and the Australian spirit - shines.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind encouraged the tourism industry and other businesses to get behind The Queensland Pledge, adding "the Queensland Pledge is a grass-roots initiative that can be implemented by businesses and individuals - the largest hotel, the smallest B&B, a family-run tour company, a visitor information centre volunteer, a retailer or a restaurant waiter.
"The more value we can add to our visitors' Queensland holiday experience, the longer they will stay and the more likely they are to recommend us to their friends and families.
"The Queensland Pledge would tell visitors that Queensland wasn't damaged beyond repair and that Queenslanders were resilient and optimistic."
Minister Jarratt concluded that she would now ask Australians to take Queensland's tourism industry up on its pledge, continuing "the beauty of this initiative is that it aims to reach visitors the moment they start their Queensland holiday � whether it's at the taxi rank or hire car counter at a Queensland airport, the service station where they buy fuel, the caf� where they have lunch, or when they arriv

http://www.tq.com.au/pledge