A total of 110 of Australia�s most influential inbound travel buyers will converge on the Gold Coast this week to reinforce business relations with leading tourism companies.

The delegation from all parts of Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan is being coordinated by the Gold Coast Tourism Bureau and will take place between February 21 and 25.

Inbound tour operators will receive a first-hand experience of the Coast�s latest and most innovative attractions and take part in a one-day workshop with over 80 local tourism suppliers.

The workshop, to be run in association with the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), will provide suppliers with an opportunity to showcase their product and buyers the chance to give feedback on latest trends in international markets.

ATEC southern Queensland chairman Peter Colahan said the familiarisation tour and workshop forum were key to the ongoing success of the destination and business relations between local suppliers and inbound travel buyers.

�This initiative will strengthen exposure and business commitments for the Gold Coast in Japan, Asia, United Kingdom, Europe, North America, China and the Middle East,� said Mr Colahan.

�It will give existing suppliers the opportunity to grow their business in these markets and new players the chance to present their product to decision-makers.

�If the Gold Coast is to continue being a force on the international stage, it needs to attract buyers of the calibre expected this week and give them a taste of what the Gold Coast can offer.�

All inbound tour operators will be taking part in a fun and informative familiarisation tour of the Coast, experiencing the southern beaches, the hinterland, the theme parks, South Stradbroke Island and the Broadwater.

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Highlights will include a visit to the hinterland�s new wine country, a car rally starting with breakfast at Point Danger and great evening entertainment at latest hotspots.

Bureau international sales manager Bernie Cochran said the delegation members each played a significant role in directing business to the Gold Coast.

�More than 50 per cent of all Australia�s international leisure visitors are handled through inbound operators,� said Mr Cochran.

�It is vital these buyers have the latest information on tours and attractions and are well-equipped to sell the destination as part of the Australian itinerary.�

It is the fourth consecutive year the bureau has staged the inbound tour and workshop forum and participant numbers have grown, notably from 65 in 2000 to 110 this year.

�We attribute this recent growth spurt to the popularity of the Gold Coast in traditional overseas markets and in particular, the increasing interest from long-haul markets of North America and Europe,� said Mr Cochran.

Last year the Gold Coast received 84,000 from North America (up 10 per cent on the previous year) and 163,000 from Europe and the United Kingdom (up 18 per cent).

Other markets showing significant growth included China with 49,000 visitors (up 40 per cent), Malaysia 24,000 (up 20 per cent) and Korea 61,000.

ENDS

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: Picture opportunities and interviews with inbound tour operators will be available at the industry workshop, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort (ballroom), Friday 8.30am to 5pm. Workshop contact is Gold Coast Tourism Bureau international sales manager Bernie Cochran (0419 700 230).

INBOUNDFAMIL.2001

For further information contact Communications Manager Margie McGregor Phone:617 5592 2699 Facsimile:617 5570 3144 Email:margiem@gctb.com.au