Chinese tourists stay at resort

The Mantra Resort in Ettalong Beach will host more than 50 Chinese tourists over the next two months as part of a new Qantas seven-day Australia package.

Central Coast Tourism chief executive officer Mr Horst Endrulat said the Mantra resort at Ettalong Beach was the only regional destination in the Qantas Shanghai package tour to host an overnight stay.

"I am proud of our marketing staff's effort, as we are the only regional destination in this package tour to host an overnight stay," Mr Endrulat said.

He said the seven-night Australia package allowed Chinese visitors to stay one night on the Central Coast, two nights in Sydney, two nights in Melbourne and two nights in Queensland.

Mantra Ettalong Beach general manager Mr Paul Brasch said: "This is what it is all about - by working together we can reap benefits for the entire region."

The first group of 25 visitors arrived from Shanghai on October 24, visiting the Australian Reptile Park, pelican feeding at The Entrance and stayed overnight at the Mantra Resort in Ettalong Beach.

The seconf group will travel to the Central Coast on November 13.

"With the low Australian dollar at present, we hope to get much more group business from overseas, as these markets will now get more value for their dollar," Central Coast Tourism marketing manager Ms Sarah Kerrsmith said.

Press release, 20 Oct 2008 Horst Endrulat, Central Coast Tourism\