Press Release

Wednesday 6 June 2007

Tasmania - Australia's Gateway for Influential North American Travel Agents
Nearly 60 American Express travel agents arrived in Hobart today on the first leg of a tour to familiarise themselves with Australia.

“This is the first time a regional city has hosted the opening segment of the Amex ‘Mega Famil’,” said Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment Paula Wriedt.

“The choice of Tasmania for this honour is a resounding endorsement of our appeal to the North American market.”
The 58 travel agents will spend two nights in Hobart and a day experiencing signature Tasmanian attractions nearby.

“Many of these people have never visited Australia before,” said Ms Wriedt.

“We all know first impressions are indelible.

“As host of the opening session of this event, Tasmania will add a whole new dimension to the image of an Australian holiday these highly influential travel agents convey to their clients.

“Following a welcome this evening at the Henry Jones Art Hotel, our visitors will spend tomorrow enjoying the kinds of Tasmanian attractions that are always a hit with North Americans – accessible wilderness at Mt Field, unique wildlife at Something Wild, and a tour of Curringa Farm Sheep Centre.

“Then it’s more fine wine and food at Moorilla’s restaurant, The Source, complete with a presentation from the head chef, Justin Harris.

As Tourism Australia’s official card since 2004, American Express has delivered significant marketing advantages to Australia – a “dream destination” for Canadians and Americans.

“By bringing Australia to the attention of high-spending travellers, American Express travel agents contribute enormously to Tasmania’s success in the North American market,” said Ms Wriedt.

“In 2006 the number of North Americans visiting Tasmania grew by seven per cent – three per cent more than the growth in North American visitors to Australia as a whole.”

Following this first module of the “Mega-famil”, eight agents will remain in Tasmania for an extended tour of the state.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au