By Roy Weavers

Indian based Queensland Tourism Ambassador and former Best Job in the World candidate, Anjaan is in Queensland this week to show a group of Indian tourism executives Queensland's holiday hotspots, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Mr Lawlor said Anjaan's aim, in his role as a Queensland tourism ambassador was to spread goodwill between Australia and India.

"Anjaan will escort the group of Indian tourism executives around Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast showcasing a diverse range of Queensland experiences that would most likely appeal to Indian travellers," Mr Lawlor said.

"Having a genuine person such as Anjaan who has travelled extensively in Queensland promoting his love of our state is a great way to strengthen international relations in an important growth market for Queensland.

"During the week-long familarisation of South East Queensland, the VIP guests will visit everything from Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast through to the Australian Outback Spectacular on the Gold Coast.

"The comprehensive itinerary also includes activities such as a Story Bridge adventure climb, jet boating, motorcycle and glow worm tours, rainforest skywalks and scenic hot air balloon, visit to Warner Bros. Movie World and Wheel of Brisbane rides."

Mr Lawlor said the aim of the visit was to increase the groups' awareness of Queensland destinations and help Queensland's tourism operators expand their networks within the Indian travel industry.

"We want to expose our guests to the full range of Queensland's quintessential experiences including islands and beaches, natural encounters, adventure and Queensland lifestyle," he said.

"The visit is sure to inspire the VIP tourism representatives from India to return home and further promote and market Queensland in stores and through travel itineraries."

Mr Lawlor said Anjaan, a popular radio DJ in India, was a larger-than-life-personality and had a passion for Queensland.

"Since he was appointed as a Queensland Tourism Ambassador, Anjaan has been busy flying the flag for Queensland at Queensland on Tour events where he addressed approximately 400 Indian travel agents in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore," he said.

"His ambassador duties have also seen him promote Queensland as the destination for the Best Holiday in the World at corporate events throughout India."

Mr Lawlor said India's economy was one of the fastest growing in the world and would underpin India's international travel growth in the future.

"In the year ending September 2009 approximately 29,000 Indians visited Queensland which was a seven percent increase on a three year trend basis," he said.

"The Indian visitors also spent $87 million on visits to the state.

"There is a whole generation of Indians that are embracing international travel and Queensland aims to be at the forefront of this market.

"Queensland is especially popular with high income earning families who enjoy the combination of our laid-back lifestyle, food and shopping experiences."

Mr Lawlor said international tourism was a key economic driver for Queensland and Tourism Queensland was committed to generating interest from international markets to maximise the benefits for Queensland tourism operators.

"Events like this would not be possible without the support and collaborative efforts of the local tourism industry in the regions involved," he said.