MEDIA RELEASE 8 July 2010 Federal Minister for Tourism to attend Cradle Coast Regional Tourism Forum The Federal Minister for Tourism, Hon Martin Ferguson AM, will make a presentation and join a panel fielding questions from local industry when he attends the Qantaslink Cradle Coast Regional Tourism Forum on 29 July in Ulverstone. Now in its fifth year, the regional Forum is a premier event that attracts expert speakers from across the tourism sector including all levels of Government, wholesalers, consumer market researchers, and experienced destination campaigners. Minister Ferguson will address delegates in the afternoon before attending the Forum dinner where inaugural winners will be announced in The Advocate Cradle Coast Regional Tourism Awards. It’s expected that more than 100 Cradle Coast tourism industry participants will attend the Forum and dinner‐time Awards. Federal Braddon MP Sid Sidebottom said he was happy to ask Minister Ferguson to come to the area for the Tourism Forum. “Minister Ferguson has been a frequent visitor to the region, and with tourism such an important part of the regional economy, it is very fitting for him to be part of this significant event,” Mr Sidebottom said. The 2010 Forum theme is The Art of Partnerships and explores the benefits of collaboration, market understanding and co‐operative marketing programs in the tourism industry and their application in the Cradle Coast region. Reflecting this theme, the panel comprising of Minister Ferguson and representatives from Tourism Tasmania, TasVacations, Qantas Holidays and Geelong Otway Tourism will answer delegate questions and provide insight on industry trends. The Qantaslink Cradle Coast Regional Tourism Forum will be held at the Ulverstone Civic Centre on 29 July 2010, followed by dinner and Award ceremony at the Ulverstone Golf Club. Registrations for the Forum and dinner are open until 21 July or until sold out. The Forum program and registration form can be downloaded from www.cradlecoast.com/tourism.html and enquiries are welcome by calling the Cradle Coast Authority on 6431 6285. End… Cradle Coast tourism works with the tourism and associated industries, councils, state government and visitor centres to create a regional tourism sector that delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to the Cradle Coast. Cradle Coast tourism is a unit of the Cradle Coast Authority. Cradle Coast Authority Media Contacts: Ian Waller Regional Tourism Development Manager Ph: 0419 372 400
Amanda Wilson Communications Manager Ph: 03 6431 6285