With new direct flights from Queensland starting next year, the push is on to attract more tourists from America's Mid West to Queensland's Outback.
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When she visited Mount Isa for the rodeo on the weekend, Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones said she brought Tourism and Events Queensland's North American consultant with her.
"He brought out a large contingent of Americans with him and we definitely think there is a revival of American tourists coming into Queensland," Ms Jones said.
"There is a huge potential to create a link between their great west and our Outback."
Doing the legwork to create that linkage is Leigh Arredondo, Tourism and Event Queensland's international director for the American market.
Mr Arredondo said more Americans were visiting Australia than ever before.
"The Mount Isa Rodeo is a great opportunity for me to be here because it is so iconic," Mr Arredondo said.
"I wanted to get my eyes on it, meet the locals, meet the players and also meet the many Americans who are competitors this year."
Mr Arredondo said their recent campaigns have used the slogan "rodeos to the reef" to connect the coast to the Outback.
"In the coming year we some exciting things happening, we have Qantas launching the new route, connecting Brisbane non-stop to San Francisco and Chicago," he said.
"Our real hope is that these services will connect the 'heart of America' as we call the midwest to this part of Queensland."
Mr Arredondo said Americans had great warmth and affinity for Australians.
"I know their experiences here will live up to all expectations," he said.
"We have this special 'midwest' relationship which will add to the experience, and it's a fantastic opportunity."
Qantas's non-stop flights from Brisbane to San Francisco will begin February 9, 2020 while their non--stop Brisbane to Chicago service begins on April 20.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
