Following the airing of Oprah Winfrey’s Ultimate Australian Adventure, Australia’s profile in the United States is at an historic high. Minister for Resources and Energy and Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, will travel to the United States today to capitalise on this by encouraging Americans to turn their interest into further investment in Australia.
Minister Ferguson said attracting additional foreign investment will help consolidate the strength of Australia’s economy.
“In the last twelve months we have seen major investments by foreign companies in Australian resources and energy projects,” Minister Ferguson said.
“These projects create jobs, support regional communities and drive economic growth.
“Australia is an attractive investment destination and our wealth of natural resources offers enormous opportunities for further growth.
“Many people in the United States have been concerned by the images of the devastation caused by the floods.
“The message I will be taking to them is simple: we are a resilient nation; the recovery and rebuilding efforts are already underway; and Australia remains very much open for business.”
The Minister’s agenda includes the annual G’Day USA Australia Week events and meetings with senior industry representatives and counterparts in Los Angeles, Washington, New York and Houston.
G'Day USA 2011 showcases Australian commercial, artistic, educational and tourism opportunities in the United States.
Minister Ferguson will capitalise on Oprah Winfrey’s visit to Australia to promote Australian tourism through meetings, roundtables and G’Day USA events such as the New Wholesalers Business Development Workshop.
“Americans have seen over the past few days just what an amazing country Australia is. It has always been a highly desirable travel destination for Americans and now we will be encouraging them not just to think about a holiday to Australia but to go ahead and book one,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Now is a good time for wholesalers to expand long-haul programs and capture growing markets.”
While in Houston, Minister Ferguson will meet leading oil and gas figures to promote investment opportunities in Australia. The Minister will also outline in detail the Australian Government’s actions to apply the lessons from the Montara and Gulf of Mexico incidents.
“Australia and the United States have been sharing knowledge, experience and lessons from both the Montara and Gulf of Mexico incidents,” Minister Ferguson said.
“I will reiterate our commitment to do everything possible to avoid incidents like these in the future and go through the measures we are putting in place to ensure Australia’s offshore petroleum regime is the best and safest in the world.”
Minister Ferguson’s itinerary includes:
- G'Day USA New Wholesalers Business Development and Business Event Buyer Workshops, Los Angeles
- G'Day USA Gala event, Los Angeles
- G’Day USA Australian American Chamber of Commerce Energy Conference, Houston
- Industry roundtable discussions on tourism and renewable energy, and meetings with airline representatives, Washington DC
- Meeting with the Secretary of Energy, Secretary of the Interior, and the Special Envoy for Climate Change, Washington DC