TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Pip Close said the part-time resource, whose primary focus would be the German-speaking markets, would train agents to sell the destination, organise familiarisations and distribute positive media content including Great Barrier Reef messaging.
“They will also elevate our Timeless Experiences brand to meet the European interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture which will encourage the establishment of more Indigenous tourism experiences in the destination,” she said.
“This appointment will support the aviation attraction work of Cairns Airport to develop stronger connections to Europe such as the Canton route now opened through the direct flights by China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines.
“Global Spot Executive Julia Rohrbacher will work with TTNQ Sales and Marketing Manager Western and Drive Claudia McFadden on strategy to ensure continued growth and engagement with all industry partners in Europe.”
Global Spot Executive Managing Director Kai Ostermann said the appointment would further strengthen TTNQ’s relationship with Tourism and Events Queensland which was represented by his company in Germany.
“We will be able to better leverage campaign opportunities to drive growth into Tropical North Queensland,” he said.
Ms Close said the German market relied heavily on trade partnerships with 85 per cent of travel bookings made through agents.
“There is strong growth potential for our region in the German market with 16 per cent year on year visitor growth to 58,000 for the year ending September 2017 and 13.4 per cent growth in visitor nights to 521,200,” she said.
“With 29 per cent of the Australian market share, Tropical North Queensland is an attractive destination for the German market.
“Together the European markets delivered around 135,000 visitors to Tropical North Queensland in the year ending September 2017 which makes Europe our destination’s second largest source market after China.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Communications Consultant Liz Inglis
M: 0419 643 494 | E: [email protected]