Tourism Queensland - Fuelling new tourism prospects

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said the Government was reminding southern motorists they will pay up to 10c a litre less for fuel in Queensland than in their own states.

"That puts Queensland in the front seat when it comes to drive tourism," Mrs Keech said.

"Rising fuel prices are a major concern to the tourism industry and there is no end in sight.

"Fortunately the Beattie Government's 8.3c a litre fuel subsidy cushions the impact of rising fuel prices for motorists who choose to take holidays in Queensland.

"Cheaper petrol prices will drive holiday dollars further in Queensland with travellers from NSW saving up to 10 cents per litre and Victorian visitors paying up to 8c a litre less here than at their own bowsers.

"We are confident our advertising campaign, that is part of the Beattie Government's Drive Tourism strategy, will convince dollar conscious motorists to take drive holidays in Queensland.

"The campaign began last weekend with ads in major Sydney and Melbourne daily newspapers and regional media in both states. It continues this week and this weekend in both capital cities."

Mrs Keech today launched Sea World Nara Resort's Petrol Super Saver initiative, which offers free petrol vouchers to visitors booking accommodation online at the resort.

"As well as the discount provided through the Beattie Government's fuel subsidy, tourism operators such as Sea World Nara are also offering special incentives and discounts to further tempt holiday-makers to head north," she said.

"Throughout Queensland accommodation operators, ranging from family-friendly resorts to B&Bs, are offering petrol saver deals as part of the nation-wide joint Tourism Queensland/industry marketing campaign promoting our lower fuel prices.

"Lower fuel prices mean more dollars in visitors' pockets to enjoy their holiday - and do the tours, attractions, and local food and wine.

"Virgin Blue and Jetstar also offer great-value airfares, making it very affordable to take a fly/drive short break to many of Queensland's holiday destinations.

"Put simply, Where Else but Queensland can you get such value for your driving dollar?"

Mrs Keech said Tourism Queensland's new Drive Queensland website, www.driveqld.com.au was an excellent resource for people planning a Queensland drive holiday.

"The site has everything you need to plan a drive holiday and I encourage all travellers to make use of the planning tools, proposed itineraries, maps, and hints and tips," she said.

"We have had well over 100,000 hits on the site since its launch less than three months ago - that's more than 1000 hits a day."

The Motormouth website (www.motormouth.com.au) which lists comparative fuel prices on a daily basis shows the following price range for today:

• Brisbane 105.7c a litre (best) 121.9c (most expensive)
• Gold Coast 106.9c-117.9c
• Sunshine Coast 112.3c-119c
• Sydney 117.9c-132.9c
• Melbourne 122.5c-129.9c
• Perth 119.9c-134.9c
• Adelaide 120.2c-132.9c