Gladstone Regional Tourist Numbers Boosted

TOURISM operators should gain confidence from the latest Tourism Queensland Gladstone Regional Snapshot.

The report, which compares June 2011 to June 2010, shows visitor numbers for the Gladstone region had increased in almost all areas.

"Gladstone recorded increases in domestic visitation in the year ending June 2011, driven by solid growth in holiday and business visitation. In contrast, VFR (visiting friends and relatives) was weaker," the report said.

Gladstone Area Promotion and Development project officer Melissa Dahtler said the region's businesses should take great encouragement from the report.

She said compared to the previous quarter's report, where there was a significant downturn after the floods, tourism had made a great turnaround.

The visitor figures, which Ms Dahtler said were classed as overnight stays, were up by 16% annually and holiday figures, which are stays of one week or longer, were up 30% annually.

SNAPSHOT

Visitors up by 16% annually

Holidays up by 30% annually

Visiting friends and relatives down by 12% annually

Queensland Tourism News: Queensland Tourism Industry Canvassed on China Growth

Tourism Queensland has released a discussion paper on opportunities and challenges facing the industry as the State ramps-up efforts to snare a greater share of the burgeoning China market.

Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Minister Jan Jarratt said work was well advanced on developing the new Project China Strategy, with industry feedback critical.

"Sustainably growing our share of the China market and giving Chinese visitors a great experience involves everyone and I want industry to have their say, with consultation open until December," Ms Jarratt said.

"The discussion paper raises issues from better catering for Chinese travellers to diversifying target markets such as attracting different age groups and destinations so it is important for industry to think about these issues and give their feedback," she said.

"The resulting Project China Strategy will map out our long-term vision to grow our share of the crucial China market, with potential spending by Chinese visitors in Australia tipped to reach $7-9 billion by 2020."

Ms Jarratt said China was already Queensland's third largest international market and one of the fastest growing, with 198,000 Chinese visiting Queensland in the year ending June 2011 - 25% more than the year prior.

"Chinese travellers are big spenders, outlaying $381 million on their trips to Queensland in the year ending June 2011 - a significant $48 million more than during the previous year," she said.

"With Chinese visitor numbers forecast to continue growing by double digits over the next few years, it's vital that our tourism industry has the skills, products and experiences to ensure they have the best possible Queensland experience, and when they go home they tell their friends and family that Queensland is where Australia Shines."

Queensland Tourism News: Queensland Tourism Industry Canvassed on China Growth

Virgin Adds Gladstone Flights

Virgin Australia announced that it will utilise its brand new ATR aircraft on new regional services between Brisbane, Gladstone and Port Macquarie.

To commence October 2011, Virgin Australia under its regional alliance with Skywest, said it will also increase the number of services between Canberra and Sydney up to 60 per week.

The carrier’s group executive of alliances Merren McArthur said the new routes to Gladstone and Port Macquarie were part of the airlines commitment to its regional network.

“Gladstone is a booming city with a thriving economy that supports the resources, tourism and primary production sectors,” Ms McArthur explained.

“We have introduced a schedule to suit both the corporate and leisure traveller in this very important market.”

The new routes are still awaiting regulatory approval, but the airline is confident that this will be forthcoming very soon.

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Daily Special Rate at Metro Hotels and Apartments Gladstone @ Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone - Metro Hotels

Book this daily special rate from $159.00 per night ( for two occupants)

Extra occupant is $15.00 per person to a maximum of 4 occupants per room using existing bedding.

Daily Special Rate at Metro Hotels and Apartments Gladstone @ Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone - Metro Hotels

Weekend Special at Metro Hotels and Apartments Gladstone @ Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone is offering fully self-contained One bedroom Apartments for:

One Night Stay $159.00* per night for 2 people (Double) (Twin - $174.00)

Two Night Stay $149.00* per night for 2 people (Double) (Twin $164.00) -* this offer is only valid for two consecutive nights.

The hotel features a swimming pool & free security parking. The hotel is the only city hotel offering secured parking facilities. All apartments offer free Austar TV channels, air-conditioning, and balconies with city/sea views.

Weekend Special at Metro Hotels and Apartments Gladstone @ Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone - Metro Hotels

Bed and Breakfast Package at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone @ Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone - Metro Hotels

Book this Bed and Breakfast Package at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone:

Stay in an Apartment
Enjoy Continental breakfast for two at Rocksalt Restaurant
Monday -Thursday $250.00

Friday - Sunday $180.00

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