Tourism Queensland tapping into Middle East potential

Tourism Queensland is to appoint a representative in the Middle East to maximise sales activity for Queensland from the busy and emerging Middle Eastern market, Premier Anna Bligh announced this week in Abu Dhabi.

Premier Bligh said Tourism Queensland would appoint a representative in the Middle East from November 2009 to work in the region over the peak selling period for six months.

The Queensland Premier explained âthe Middle East is one of Queensland's smaller international source markets, but it is a high priority to my Government given its significant long-term potential.

"I've held meetings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with both Emirates and Ethihad Airlines and in the wake of those meetings I have decided to act quickly to help both Queensland and the Middle East region grow this important tourism market.

"This new role will help implement cooperative marketing activity during the peak selling period in the Middle East early next year to ensure maximum sales for Queensland from key nations such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

"Despite the worldwide economic downturn, the number of Middle Eastern visitors to Queensland in the last financial year increased by 13%.

"The total inbound economic value from Middle Eastern visitors to Australia in the year to March 2009 was $580 million.

"That's a significant emerging market and it's vital that we protect it and help it to prosper."

Premier Bligh said Tourism Queensland was working closely with Tourism Australia and Gold Coast Tourism and had long been at the forefront of opening doors in the Middle Eastern market.

Premier Bligh continued "Queensland has always had a very strong relationship with our trade and aviation partners in the Middle East.

"Our state already has excellent aviation links with the Middle East, particularly since Emirates Airlines upgraded their services to Brisbane earlier this year, now offering double daily s ervices into Brisbane from Dubai.

"We want to push the full potential of this key emerging market and will take full advantage of Queensland's strengths in the region.

"Middle Eastern visitors are always keen to escape the harsh Middle Eastern summers and Queensland's temperate year-round climate makes it the perfect holiday destination.

"The Gold Coast is a particularly popular destination for Middle Eastern visitors, who flock to the city for the annual Magic Millions event each January.

"This appointment will further build our strong relationships and will work towards placing Queensland top-of-mind when it really counts - in the region's peak selling period over the first half of 2010."