Trans-Tasman disasters bring new tourism bond

Travel agents and wholesalers from 40 countries will attend Australian Tourism Exchange next week and for the first time ever Tourism New Zealand (a traditional competitor) will showcase New Zealand as part.

Christchurch's earthquake, and Queensland's floods and cyclone have the potential to devastate tourist numbers long-term for both countries. The new cooperation is aimed at getting the message to the world that New Zealand and Queensland are not only safe to visit but that most of their tourism operations are open for business.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy explains "we are in the same boat (and) we have to get the message across that we're recovering."

McEvoy adds that the decision to invite New Zealand to Australia Tourism Exchange was a reaction to the devastation in Christchurch, and the understanding - knowing how tourist numbers dropped after the Queensland floods and cyclone - that the disaster would affect tourism nationally.

He adds "our two countries will compete where we need to, but in a situation like this we are better as a team. It's the Anzac spirit. When we saw what happened in Christchurch we understood."

The Australian Government has just spent $10 million on tourism recovery in Queensland, under the banner Nothing Beats Queensland, including a $1 million campaign for April targeting New Zealand tourists, and bringing 100 international travel writers to the state last week.

In the Whitsunday Islands in northern Queensland, most resorts are back to normal after Cyclone Yasi, although Hayman Island remains closed, and in Brisbane the worst flood-hit hotel, the Stamford Plaza, reopens this week.

The profile of retired cricketer Matthew Hayden, a Queenslander, is being used to promote the aggressive marketing campaign.

Again in the ANZAC spirit, Australia Tourism is hoping Tourism New Zealand will return the favour and invite it to Trends, New Zealand's major annual tourism trade show.

For more information go to www.tourism.australia.com/en-au/industry/trade-events_5593.aspx

22nd February 2011 - TRAGEDY AS 6.3 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HITS CHRISTCHURCH

1st February 2011 - CYCLONE YASI FORCES WHITSUNDAY RESORT EVACUATIONS

18th January 2011 - BCEC MANAGER LOOKS FORWARD TO ‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’

12th January 2011 - FLOODS ENGULF QUEENSLAND FACILITIES