Brownlee Brothers promote the Gold Coast to the UK

Popular British triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee have today sharedtheir personal experiences of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, whileenjoying some of the city's many tourism attractions.

Along with a long list of accolades betweenthem, including Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic gold, silver and bronzemedals; the brothers are known for their heroic finish at the 2016 WorldTriathlon Series in Mexico, when Alistair gave up his chances of winning therace to help Jonny over the finish line.

Tourism Australia, together with Tourism andEvents Queensland, has partnered with the Brownlee Brothers to promote theGames in the United Kingdom and Federal Trade, Tourism and InvestmentMinister and Gold Coast MP Steven Ciobo welcomed the brothers at Burleigh Headsbeach today.

Minister Ciobo said the high number of UKtourists visiting Australia was a testament to the camaraderie between bothnations.

"The Brownlee brothers' strong and endearingsense of mateship is not only one that is personified among many Australians,but has also long been a sentiment held between our country and our close allyof Britain," he said.

"The United Kingdom is our third most valuabletourism market and fourth largest in terms of visitor arrivals, and UK arrivalsare the highest they've been in more than a decade, boosted by the influx ofEnglish cricket fans during the recent Ashes series," he said.

"With the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games infull swing and with likes of UK sporting stars the Brownlee brothers competing,we hope to see even more Brits making the trip Down Under soon."

"While the focus of the Commonwealth Games ison the world-class sporting performances, it also presents an opportunity todeepen our ties with our fellow Commonwealth nations, particularly those thatrepresent some of Australia's most significant tourism markets, includingCanada, India, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom."

Minister Ciobo said advocacy plays a crucialrole in Tourism Australia's marketing strategy.

"Tourism Australia works with well-knownAustralian and international personalities, through its successful Friends ofAustralia program, promoting their Aussie experiences across TourismAustralia's platforms, generating interest."

Commonwealth Games and Tourism IndustryDevelopment Minister Kate Jones said the Brownlee brothers' time on the GoldCoast would inspire the pair's fans back home to come and experience the bestaddress on earth.

"Alistair and Jonny have spent a number ofweeks in Queensland, including on the Sunshine Coast, before heading to theGold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games," Ms Jones said.

"The pair are making the most of their time inQueensland, enjoying our best experiences, including learning to surf at theiconic Burleigh Heads.

"Tourism and Events Queensland is proud topartner with Tourism Australia to host the Brownlee brothers and show thetriathletes around the Gold Coast.

"The brothers are among more than 6000 athletesfrom around the globe in Queensland, where life is beautiful one day andperfect the next."

Ms Jones said the Gold Coast 2018 CommonwealthGames is putting Queensland on the world stage and highlighting Queensland asthe home of world-class events.

"The Commonwealth Games are expected to bewatched by more than a billion people, attract more than 670,000 visitors andgenerate billions of dollars for the state's economy," she said.

The renowned brothers join 6,600 of the world'sgreatest athletes currently competing at this year's Games, joining almost15,000 volunteers for this historic event.

The Games also provide a valuable platformthrough which the Gold Coast and Australia can shine as a destination on theworld stage.

Tourism Australia, in conjunction withQueensland's state and local tourism bodies, have been working to enhance thedestination image and grow awareness of tourism offerings to targetinternational markets.

The Games provide an opportunity for all ofthose attending the event to return home at the end of their visit as advocatesfor Australia; sharing their stories with family, friends and on social media,and visit again one day.