Cook MP Jason O’Brien is encouraging Far North Queensland tourism operators to come up with suggestions for increasing grey nomad visits to the Far North.  The Queensland Parliamentary Economic Development committee has begun an inquiry into developing the market, and Mr O’Brien wants the region’s views to be heard loud and clear.

“Grey Nomads are an increasingly important market for us up here, and local tourism operators need to put our region’s special needs to the committee".
“The State Government has recently funded some measures to make it easier for grey nomads to visit the Far North, such as waste disposal sites, on some routes.   But I believe that we can attract more visits if we can get some specific ideas from our own regional operators.”  Mr O’Brien, a committee member, said the inquiry would also like to hear from grey nomads themselves. It was important for the State Government to get a picture of what grey nomads require from tourism operators and other businesses on their travels.

An issues paper that provides information on the inquiry, the committee, and how to make a submission is available online at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/edc or you can phone Mr O’Brien’s office on 1800-816-264 or email him at cook@parliament.qld.gov.au
Submissions to the committee are due by 28 May 2010

Editors Comments: What a superb opportunity for our tour operators to present their bright ideas to State Government.  Niche marketing is an excellent way to keep consistent or maybe even increase our visitation through these difficult days.  My suggestion would be to take full advantage of the opportunity offered here.