Local tourism operators and a delegation of TTNQ staff are in Europe on a tourism sales and marketing roadshow.

The team has arranged tourism workshops over 12 days in major European cities as well as in London and Manchester.

"More than 300 retail travel agents are signed up to attend the workshops to learn about the latest tourism experiences that the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region has to offer their clients," a TTNQ spokesperson said.

Germany, France and the UK are three of the seven markets identified in TTNQ’s strategy to increase visitor expenditure in the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region by $1 billion by 2015.

"Nature is a strong motivator for travel for German visitors and young German experience seekers are a significant part of the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef tourism mix.

"While Australia is an enduring travel destination for German visitors, it is a fast growing favourite with French travellers. The UK is another traditional market for Cairns & Great Barrier Reef and events such as the Solar Eclipse in 2012 and the British & Irish Lions Tour in 2013 are expected to attract more Britons to visit."

Poseidon's Steve Edmondson contacted The Newsport via iPhone on his way from Milan to Zurich.

"I have to ask myself where I am everyday, 10 cities in a couple of weeks, talking to over 300 wholesale agents, airlines TA & TQ all passionate about Australia representing 60% of European market. Promoting space, friendly aussies, adventure and interactions with nature is easy, we have amazing assets on our door step, Douglas region perfect for our European friends, the depth of experience offered in Australia is fantastic yet we are quick to get distracted with i.e. Fiji, Bali and exchange rates. I believe we should reinforce our quality, service and standards on top of the myriad of options to suit budgets and tastes...make sure we step up and deliver more than expectations, remember great value is essential for whatever you are paying, better catch that train ...where now! Missing home already..."
 
Rob Giason, Chief Executive Officer of TTNQ said the roadshow will follow Tourism Australia's lead of trying to attract first time visitors to the region.

“Tourism Australia is targeting first time visitors to Australia and we are following up that marketing to bring those first time visitors from Europe and the UK to Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.”

Local tourism operators on the European roadshow include Poseidon Sailaway Cruises, Meridian Port Douglas Luxury Apartments, Thala Beach Lodge, and Jungle Adventures Cape Tribulation.