01 August 2008

Gold Coast tourism gets $1m lifeline

A goldcoast.com.au report says that the QLD State Government has launched an emergency $1 million rescue package to re-ignite the Gold Coast's lagging tourism industry.

After a dismal six months for local operators, the extra funding will target domestic travellers who have dumped the Gold Coast in favour of overseas holidays.

Acting Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said the trade campaign would target travel agents and re-establish the city as their number one choice.

Ms Keech said bad weather, a strong Australian dollar and airline cuts had taken potential tourists away from the Gold Coast.

"These are the real issues that the Gold Coast must address," said Ms Keech.

"Tourism Queensland has worked with Gold Coast Tourism as well as state regional tourism organisations and operators to develop a trade and agent level campaign."

"Through this campaign we will be hitting the key national holiday promoters and sellers directly."

Tourism Queensland will work with Gold Coast Tourism and local stakeholders to re-market the city and launch a campaign for Queenslanders to holiday within the state.

Ms Keech said the domestic market had taken its business overseas and needed to be brought back.

Couples would be targeted as part of the tourism blitz.

"The past holiday season has been disappointing for the Gold Coast but we must move the industry forward." "We need to be strategic about our promotions," she said.

A Report by The Mole from Goldcoast.com.au