Representatives from our region are nearing the end of a ten day tour of Europe as part of a Tourism Queensland contingent which aims to promote the State as a premier holiday destination.

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said the 'Queensland on Tour' trade mission would visit Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Trier, Brussels, Zurich and Milan from 23 November to 2 December.

"Queensland on Tour Europe is a fantastic opportunity for our state's tourism operators and organisations to meet face-to-face with 300 travel wholesalers, travel agents, reservations staff and the media to promote their products and experiences," Mr Lawlor said.

"This trade mission gives our tourism operators direct access to key European tourism industry decision-makers and media in an environment where they can meet with them face-to-face.

"In the process we hope to increase future business opportunities, strengthen relations with key European trade partners and ultimately help grow visitor numbers to Queensland."

Mr Lawlor said tourism businesses from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Whitsundays and Tropical North Queensland were taking part in the trade mission.

Queensland on Tour Europe will also see the debut of a new indigenous tourism product manual produced by Tourism Queensland.

"The Queensland Indigenous Tourism Product Manual will feature some of the best indigenous tourism experiences available in Australia," he said.

"The product manual is a useful tool which provides information on 21 tourism operators in Queensland who offer visitors authentic and outstanding Indigenous experiences.

"Indigenous experiences are a popular drawcard for Europeans, whether it's trekking through World Heritage-listed rainforests with the traditional custodians of the land, learning about bush foods and medicines, or watching dance performances and seeking out traditional art and craftwork."

Mr Lawlor said Queensland on Tour would help grow visitor numbers from the important European market.

"In the year ended June 2010, 302,000 Europeans, excluding the UK, headed to Queensland," he said.

"Importantly, there was growth in visitor numbers to Queensland from parts of Europe during this period compared to the previous year, including a rise of nine percent from the Netherlands and 13 percent from France.

"These are growing markets for Queensland and it's important our industry continues to drive the message to trade partners and holidaymakers in Europe that Queensland is a fantastic destination to visit."

Those businesses representing Tropical North Queensland include:

Thala Beach Lodge
Tourism Marketing Services
Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa
Meridian Port Douglas and Cayman Villas Port Douglas
Poseidon Sailaway
Pro Dive Cairns
Quicksilver Group
Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Silky Oaks Lodge
Ocean Spirit Cruises
Adventure North
Down Under Tours
Hideaway Resorts