150 German travel agents explore the Tropical North
One-hundred-and-fifty travel agents from Germany are exploring Tropical North Queensland this week as part of one of the largest "mega famils" ever to take place in the region. Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the agents, who were affiliated with German wholesale travel giant Dertour, were exploring the region's natural attractions as part of a number of a number of famils stretching over a two week period
(Media-Newswire.com) - One-hundred-and-fifty travel agents from Germany are exploring Tropical North Queensland this week as part of one of the largest “mega famils” ever to take place in the region.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the agents, who were affiliated with German wholesale travel giant Dertour, were exploring the region’s natural attractions as part of a number of a number of famils stretching over a two week period
The mega-famil was being organised jointly by Tourism Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism Australia and Qantas and was exploring destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, Great Tropical Drive and Great Sunshine Way.
“Germans are one of the most important international markets for this region as they stay longer, travel further afield and spend more than the average international visitor,” Ms Boyle said.
“Last year, 74,000 Germans visited Queensland, stayed an average 25 nights and spent around $1900 each.
“Of these, 47,000 visited the Tropical North.”
Ms Boyle said Germans were also more likely than the average international traveller to visit beaches and national parks during their stay and placed a strong emphasis on nature-based tourism experiences.
They were also keen to take part in soft adventure activities and explore a destination independently.
“Germans are confident self-drivers so Tropical North Queensland is perfectly positioned to capitalise on this market,” she said.
“With our abundance of natural attractions and experiences, we are a German traveller’s ideal holiday destination.”
Ms Boyle said as 80 percent of Germans still booked their major holidays via a travel agent, developing relationships with wholesalers such as Dertour were essential.
“Tourism Queensland’s European office places a strong focus on educating travel agents on Queensland and there is no better way than inviting them here to experience the destination for themselves,” she said.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Rob Giason said the region was delighted to host the agents.
“As a tourism destination our constant challenge is to keep our name alive in the minds of potential travellers and the agents who sell our destination,” Mr Giason said.
“This program provides the agents with a wonderful insight into the natural wonders and experiences available to German holidaymakers in Tropical North Queensland.
“This familiarisation comes on the back of the successful TTNQ sales mission to Europe last month and highlights our region’s commitment to this very important market.”
In addition to the famil’s sponsors, Ms Boyle paid tribute to the local operators who were hosting the agents.
“This is one of the biggest famils the region has ever hosted and the logistics involved in organising itineraries for 150 travel agents simultaneously has been incredible,” Ms Boyle said.
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Media contact: Marcus Taylor ( 3225 1005 / 0419 025 326 ) or Kirstie Maier ( 3224 2007 / 0448 135 195 )
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