October 13, 2009Tourism Queensland will appoint a representative in the Middle East next month to maximise sales activity for Queensland from the busy and emerging Middle Eastern market, Premier Anna Bligh has today announced from Abu Dhabi.
Bligh says Tourism Queensland will appoint a representative in the Middle East from November to work in the region over the peak selling period for six months.
"The 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," Bligh says.
"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,” she says.
The new role is expected to help implement cooperative marketing activity during the peak selling period in the Middle East early next year to ensure maximum sales from 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 percent,” Bligh says.
"The total inbound economic value from Middle Eastern visitors to Australia in the year to March 2009 was $580 million,” she says.
"That's a significant emerging market and it's vital that we protect it and help it to prosper."
According to Bligh, Tourism Queensland is working closely with Tourism Australia and Gold Coast Tourism, and has long been at the forefront of opening doors in the Middle Eastern market.
"Queensland has always had a very strong relationship with our trade and aviation partners in the Middle East," she says.
"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 services into Brisbane from Dubai.”
The Gold Coast is considered a particularly popular destination for Middle Eastern visitors, who flock to the city for the annual Magic Millions event each January.
"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,” Bligh explains.
"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," she says.