Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said Corroboree '10 was a mega familiarisation and training workshop event, run by Tourism Australia in partnership with Tourism Queensland and other state and territory organisations.

"Corroboree '10 is an initiative between Australia's national, state and territory tourism bodies aimed at presenting Australian tourism products first-hand to more than 300 travel agents and tour operators from Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Ireland, the UK and South Africa who specialise in tourism to Australia," he said.

"More than 40 Queensland tourism businesses will have the opportunity to show off their products to the travel agents who will also take part in an indepth discovery tour of Queensland's attractions and products throughout the state.

"Queensland will host four familiarisations for approximately 60 travel specialists in Tropical North Queensland, South East Queensland, the Whitsundays and Outback/Central Queensland."

Mr Wettenhall said former Best Job in the World contenders, Magali from the Netherlands and George from Ireland, had travelled to Queensland as part of their Queensland Tourism Ambassador duties.

"George and Magali were recruited as Queensland Tourism Ambassadors to capitalise on the high profile they had achieved in their home countries during their quest for the Best Job in the World," he said.

"They are the perfect hosts for this event. With a genuine passion for Queensland, they will be able to discuss their first-hand Queensland experiences with the participants."

Mr Wettenhall said Queensland's participation in Corroboree '10 would increase international awareness of Queensland destinations and strengthen the position of these regions in UK and European markets.

"Increasing awareness of Queensland experiences and generating confidence and understanding about what Queensland has to offer will encourage and assist the travel professionals in selling more Queensland holidays."

Mr Wettenhall said despite the challenging 12 months the tourism industry had experienced, visitors from Europe and the UK had continued to show positive growth signs.

"In 2009 visitors from Germany were up five percent to 81,000 while French visitors increased 29 percent to 44,000," he said.

"Backpackers to Queensland, particularly out of the UK and Europe, also increased two percent to 370,000 during the same period."

Further information
Barron River office – 4038 2800
Tourism Queensland – 3535 5010