Young Australian sailor Jessica Watson has been chosen as  the Tourism Queensland Sailing Ambassador for 2010/2011, as announced by Steve Wettenhall Tourism Parliamentary Secretary and Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor.

Mr Wettenhall made the announcement at Jessica’s first official duty as sailing ambassador at the Hamilton Island Race Week – one of Australia’s premier sailing events.

“Jessica captivated the world during her seven-month quest to become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world and now becomes the face of Tourism Queensland’s Season of Sailing,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“The Premier, Minister and myself are thrilled to have Jessica on board to promote Queensland’s Season of Sailing, which highlights the state’s fantastic sailing events from Brisbane to North Queensland.

Jessica Watson and Queensland Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Steve Wettenhall

“Jessica is a genuine Queensland inspiration and has developed an international profile, which makes her the perfect fit for the Season of Sailing campaign.

“Jessica has already succeeded in generating huge interest in sailing with people all over the world.”

Mr Wettenhall said Jessica’s duties would include featuring in a broadcast sailing special promoting sailing in Queensland and blogging about sailing events on her popular website.

“In addition to participating in a series of sailing events in 2010 such as Hamilton Island Race Week, Jessica will officially launch Queensland’s 2011 Season of Sailing,” he said.

“Jessica is a proud Queenslander and the Bligh Government is confident this partnership will raise the profile of Queensland’s Season of Sailing even further.”

Jessica said she was delighted to be part of the campaign.

She is also Queensland’s ambassador for the World Sailing Championships next year, which aims to get more people involved in sailing.

“I am happy to encourage more people to take up the sport of sailing,” Jessica said.

“The Season of Sailing offers everyone, from all age groups, an opportunity to get out there and give it a go.”

Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said the $100,000 Season of Sailing campaign, launched in June, was already showing some fantastic results.

“To date the campaign has generated more than $1.5 million in publicity exposure for Queensland’s sailing events,” Mr Hayes said.

“Additionally, more than 8,200 people have visited the Season of Sailing campaign page.”

“Initial anecdotal reports from tourism operators involved in the campaign have indicated they are receiving bookings as a result of the campaign.

“This is a strong indicator that this new and innovative approach to marketing Queensland’s sailing events is paying off.”

Tourism Minister Mr Lawlor said said Tourism Queensland’s Season of Sailing campaign was the latest in a series of innovative campaigns designed to encourage more Aussies to escape the winter cold and make their way to warmer Queensland.

“Whether people are from a sailing background or looking for a fun holiday with a difference, enjoying our Season of Sailing is accessible for all,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Tourism Queensland is working closely with Yachting Australia through the campaign to ensure the message is reaching not only the sailing fraternity but also their friends and family.

“Tourism Queensland has also partnered with a range of regional tourism organisations, event organisers and operators to ensure they have the tools available to further spread the campaign’s message in their respective regions.

“Queensland is Australia’s premier sailing destination and it’s great to see so much interest already in the campaign.”