Whitsundays on show in Paris

JUNE 8, 2017: THE city of Paris is festooned with billboards displaying turtles, Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef as part of the $10million tourism funding package to support our region following the effects of Cyclone Debbie.I welcome the launch of Tourism Australia’s international campaign which was undertaken by the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steve Ciobo last night.I was able to bring Minister Ciobo to the Whitsundays to see firsthand the effects of Cyclone Debbie almost immediately after the event, and it is now heartening to see the results of that visit, which is a concerted effort to showcase our region internationally and beckon international tourists back to this beautiful part of the world.Tourism is so important for our community. It drives the economy and supports local jobs. That’s why the Liberal National Government is working hard to bring tourists back to the region.Minister Ciobo, who launched the international campaign on the Champs Elysees in Paris last night, said it would be hard for the French to escape the beauty of North Queensland.“The Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays remain beautiful; there’s never been a better time to visit, and that’s the message we’re sending the world – ‘come visit Queensland’,” Minister Ciobo said.“And we’re not being subtle with more than 500 billboards spread throughout Paris.“This is the first phase of Tourism Australia’s campaign to bring tourists back to the areas affected by Cyclone Debbie, and France, which is our 15th largest inbound market for visitors, is an ideal launch pad.”The Liberal National Government is providing $5 million and the Queensland Government has committed to match this funding for the rescue package.Tourism Australia will focus its current international coastal and aquatic campaign on Queensland destinations as well as showcasing them through a dedicated international media hosting program.