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G20 social media delivers Queensland to the world
QUEENSLAND’s peak tourism industry body believes the G20 Leaders Summit and surrounding activities will deliver worldwide exposure for Queensland to a level virtually impossible to achieve through traditional advertising campaigns.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) believes potential social media coverage about Queensland and other Australian states, broadcast to a global audience through the internet, will bring invaluable publicity and a positive state-wide exposure. 
QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said almost 155 million people from around the world were directly following the social media pages of the G20 leaders and leaders from six attending guest countries.
“This week’s G20 Leaders Summit hosted by Brisbane (November 14-16) presented a critical opportunity for Queensland to show itself off to the world and capture the attention of a global audience,” Mr Gschwind said.
“The ears and eyes of the world will be focused on Queensland. Collectively, our G20 visitors will act as a giant megaphone to broadcast their opinions about Brisbane and Queensland in general.
“We’re encouraging social media users to include #WelcomeToQueensland to demonstrate our warm hospitality and share our Queensland pride with the world.
“In addition to these 155 million followers, there will be 4,000 delegates and 3,000 media sharing their comments, photos and video about Queensland with the rest of the world through social media.”
Mr Gschwind said Queensland was well-equipped to make the most of the brightly shining G20 spotlight, having previously hosted large-scale global events such as Expo ’88 and the 1982 Commonwealth Games. 
“Many of the visiting leaders will be visiting Queensland for the first time and some will travel to other Australian states during their visit to the country,” he said.
“We all know first impressions can make or break a person’s travel experience and it’s critical that Queensland leaves a positive lasting impression on our international guests.”
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey said hosting the G20 in Queensland would generate global exposure for Brisbane as well as Queensland’s regional tourism destinations.
“Increased media interest will produce long-term economic benefits for Queensland as people across the world learn of its appeal as a business, study and leisure destination,” Ms Stuckey said.
“Hosting the G20 bolsters recognition of Queensland’s international expertise in attracting, planning and staging world events.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Leanne Coddington said the Brisbane Marketing Global Café, a G20 world-first supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, will explore important issues including the emerging frontiers of tourism.
“The Brisbane Global Café presents a significant opportunity for Brisbane to lead the global discussion on a number of topics including the way ahead for tourism,” Ms Coddington said.
Tourism in Queensland contributes $23 billion in expenditure to the economy and employs 241,000 people.
Mr Gschwind said QTIC acts as ‘the voice of tourism’ while operating as a private sector, membership-based organisation representing the interests of the tourism and hospitality industry across Queensland.
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