Gold Coast to Host in 2018

The Gold Coast’s successful bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games will provide a much-needed tonic for the tourism and accommodation industry said Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy.

Mr McEvoy said Queensland has endured its fair share of “setbacks and shocks” and the news will provide a much needed boost to the state’s tourism industry.

“This is great news for Australian tourism,” Mr McEvoy said.

"Australia has great events expertise and not only stages them well but is also very good at ensuring the best possible economic impact and capitalising on the global exposure those things generate.”

Mr McEvoy added the recent opening of the new Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel, Peppers Broadbeach and the Sea Temple Surfers Paradise Resort adds to the tourism revitalization and infrastructure of the state.

“No doubt, this just the start of the Gold Coast’s renaissance.”

The Accommodation Association of Australia chief executive officer Richard Munro, said that hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games will provide a much-needed boost for the accommodation industry, as well as the wider business community.

“Having the 2018 Commonwealth Games will be a real fillip for local business, notably one of the most important sectors on the Gold Coast – the accommodation industry,” Mr Munro said.

“Preparing for and hosting this major event will inject confidence into the economy in south-east Queensland and will trigger further investment in tourism accommodation infrastructure in the region.”

Mr Munro added that accommodation and tourism operators embrace the chance to host international and domestic visitors and be given the opportunity to ensure there visit is truly unforgettable.

(Source: etravelblackboard.com)

Brisbane Tourism News: Summer in Brisbane - What's on

STUMPED ABOUT WHAT’S ON OFFER IN BRISBANE THIS SUMMER?

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO ENSURE YOU HAVE A BALL

Brisbane is gearing up for a great summer of sports, cultural events and activities.

From soccer to international and domestic cricket through to international tennis there is action aplenty in Brisbane.

1. On the pitch you can expect plenty of heart-pumping action at the 2011 premiership winning Brisbane Roar FC home games at Suncorp Stadium. The first game will be played in October and the season will run until March 2012.

2. The much anticipated International Cricket season will mark the first official day of summer from December 1, but it is the inaugural KFC T20 Big Bash League games you won’t want to miss. Local team, the Brisbane Heat play their first game at the Gabba on Tuesday, December 20.

3. In 2012, the Brisbane International (1 – 8 January) will return with tennis greats including Wimbledon quarterfinalist and Australia’s current number one men’s tennis player Bernard Tomic, and world number five and 2011 Wimbledon finalist Maria Sharapova confirmed to start play.

And the excitement isn’t just in the stadiums. Get your temperature soaring with an action packed calendar of cultural events.

4. Enjoy the old classics all over again when Rock of Ages opens at the Lyric Theatre from November 12.This rock comedy romance is an hilarious, feel-good love story told through all the big ballads of the eighties.

5. For your dose of culture head to the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) from December 3 to see Matisse: Drawing Life, an exclusive exhibition of more than 300 drawings, prints, paper cut-outs and artist books by Henri Matisse, one of the 20th century’s greatest artists. This exhibition will coincide with the fifth anniversary of GoMA, and will sit alongside other exhibitions including;

• A major solo exhibition from leading senior Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama
• An exhibition called Ten Years of Contemporary Art: The James C Sourris, AM Collection
• A series of large-scale fantasy worlds, created from intricate layers of fluorescent coloured sugar called we miss you magic land! by Perth-based artist duo Pip & Pop
• A new specially commissioned body of work by Dinosaur Designs.

6. Before the year is over, celebrate the festive season with Christmas in The City with decorations going up in November. Kids of all ages will love the time-honoured and new Christmas traditions planned around town. 7. Get in the festive spirit and participate in a diverse range of free family fun events from the Lighting of the Brisbane City Christmas Tree on December 2 and the Lord Mayor’s Carols in the City on December 10; to Santa visits, twilight markets, Christmas movies, festive fun workshops and street corner carolling.

7. Bring in the New Year at the time honoured Woodford Folk Festival (December 27 – January 1) and The Dreaming Festival. These two incredible arts and multi-cultural festivals will incorporate more than 2000 performers and 400 events with concerts, dances, workshops, forums, street theatre, writer’s panels, film festival, comedy sessions and much more including a spectacular fire event.

8. Get into the spirit of 2012 when Mary Poppins hits the stage. Based on the classic Walt Disney film MARY POPPINS, the world’s most magical musical, will open at QPAC on January 5, 2012.

9. Round off your summer celebrations with a trip to the annual World Theatre Festival, which hits the Brisbane Powerhouse during February 2012. Embracing the new, the risky and the independent, World Theatre Festival will thrive in pushing new technologies, new forms and participatory genres in theatre from around the world.

(Source: Brisbanemarketing.com.au)

Summer in Brisbane - What's on

Brisbane Tourism News: Christmas Calendar 2011 - Christmas in Brisbane

Christmas in The City kicks off with the annual lighting of the tree on Friday 2 December. From 6.45pm King George Square will be transformed into a festive wonderland as Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Santa and a host of other special guests gather for the much-loved tradition. The square will also play home to the circus-style fiesta Christmas Tights from 19 – 21 December. Live bands, street performers and theatrical acts will entertain passers-by underneath The City’s glowing Christmas Tree.

Throughout December, city goers will be treated to an assortment of merry events. Brightening bustling mornings, the Street Corner Choirs will perform at 8am, 8.30am and 9am every weekday from 2 – 23 December. Surprising and delighting onlookers, the ‘pop-up’ carollers will harmonise at various locations throughout The City. Providing evening entertainment, the Queen Street Mall LED screen will air classic Christmas films from 2 – 24 December, including Elf, Home Alone and The Grinch.

Christmas Music Showcase concerts will spread even more yuletide joy. From 2 – 23 December, city dwellers can enjoy 20 minute performances at the Queen Street Mall Stage. With recitals at various times throughout the day, Christmas Music Showcase will bring cheer to CBD workers and shoppers alike. Acts include Swing Central, the Australian Girls Choir and the always entertaining Andrew Sisters Tribute Band.
Saturday 5 November marks the annual David Jones Christmas Concert. Held at 9am and 11am in King George Square, the concert is one for the whole family to enjoy, with carols, giveaways, Santa and an array of cartoon characters.

Brisbane Tourism News: Christmas Calendar 2011 - Christmas in Brisbane

What's On Ipswich: Full Steam Ahead for Rail Campaign

IT'S full steam ahead for the city's tourism industry.

Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt visited Ipswich and Rosewood yesterday to help launch a new rail heritage campaign.

Ms Jarratt unveiled The Amazing Time Machines brochure at The Workshops Rail Museum.

The brochure is the result of collaboration between council and four local rail attractions - the Workshops museum, Grandchester Model Steam Railway, Rosewood Rail Museum, and the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.

Tourism Committee chairman David Pahlke said the brochure would encourage more visitors to the Ipswich region through promotion and special offers.

Ms Jarratt praised the city's tourist attractions, even comparing Ipswich to her Whitsundays hometown.

"The Whitsundays is a popular tourist destination, but there're some equally remarkable places here," Ms Jarratt said.

"You can go to theme parks like Disneyland or Dreamworld but you can't really see who the people are and what the town is about, whereas here you can see that Ipswich has a very special place in Queensland's history.

"Ipswich is the heart and soul of the rail industry."

Mayor Paul Pisasale said tourism played a vital role in Ipswich's economy, and said the brochure would help boost the industry.

"There's Dreamworld and Sea World, well, now we have Steam World," Cr Pisasale quipped.

Cr Pahlke said Ipswich was the birthplace of rail in Queensland, with the first train in the state travelling between Ipswich and Grandchester in 1861.

Full Steam Ahead for Rail Campaign