The Honourable Peter Lawlor
06/05/2010
Top Malaysian travel agencies tour South East Queensland
Eleven senior representatives from Malaysia's leading travel agencies are touring South East Queensland this week in a bid to promote the region as an ideal destination for Malaysian travellers, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.
Mr Lawlor said the tour, jointly organised by Malaysia Airlines and Tourism Queensland, would showcase South East Queensland as a great destination for visiting Malaysians.
"Malaysia Airlines now flies daily from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane following the addition of two direct flights per week in late March, ensuring this tour for senior and mid-managers from leading Malaysian wholesale and retail travel companies is perfectly timed," Mr Lawlor said.
"The visit will provide the opportunity for senior members of Malaysian travel companies to experience some of the tourism product they and their staff sell first hand, and learn more about Queensland's destinations and what each has to offer.
"These senior representatives manage special units in travel companies which cater to the holiday requirements of Malaysians, especially food requirements.
"During their week-long visit to the Gold Coast and Hinterland, Tangalooma Island Resort and Brisbane, the group will experience Queensland's friendly, cosmopolitan and multicultural lifestyle, our great beach culture and natural attractions.
"Highlights of their tour will include visiting the Gold Coast theme parks, its rainforest hinterland plus the Mount Tamborine arts and crafts precinct.
"In South East Queensland, the group will also visit a local mosque and regional shopping hotspots while coming face-to-face with native wildlife and sampling local dining options.
"With our local industry throwing out the welcome mat, these senior staff from top-selling Malaysian travel agencies are sure to take home amazing memories of Queensland which they will use to sell our state to their compatriots back home."
Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said showing off South East Queensland to leading travel agents was an important way of helping grow the Malaysian market.
"These senior agents and the agencies they work for have a huge influence on the decisions Malaysians make when booking their holiday," Mr Hayes said.
"Malaysia is an important international source market for Queensland, with 41,000 Malaysian visitors coming to Queensland in 2009.
"This market is ripe for expanding and initiatives such as this Malaysian travel agency tour will ensure we help focus potential Malaysian holidaymakers on visiting Queensland."
