The British and Irish Lions will today officially announce Noosa on the Sunshine Coast as the destination for the official training and recovery week as part of their 2013 Lions Tour of Australia.

CEO of Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL), Steve Cooper said, “Between 100 and 200 people including the team, management and media will visit in June 2013 for the training and recovery week, which will include three days of training plus some recovery time for the team.”

Additionally, the tour attracts about 25 000 fans that travel around the world following one of the world’s most famous touring Rugby Union teams.

With the majority of British and Irish Lions coming from the UK, Mr Cooper said this exciting opportunity would provide a terrific boost for our tourism industry.

“The UK is an important international market for the Sunshine Coast and we welcomed approximately 43,779 UK visitors in the year to June 30 2012.

“Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd in conjunction with Tourism Noosa will be targeting UK, New Zealand and Australian fans to visit Noosa and the wider Sunshine Coast during this time,” added Mr Cooper.

Celebrating their 125th anniversary tour in 2013, the tour takes place every four years but only comes to Australia every 12 years and will incorporate six regional games and three test matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The tour will be the biggest sporting event in Australia in 2013.

Members from the British and Irish Lions visited Australia a few months ago and spent time on the Sunshine Coast and enjoyed the destination so much, they have chosen Noosa for this important week of their tour. They are looking forward to spending their recovery time in the region.

Chris Burton, President of the Noosa Dolphins believes rugby fans from across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and further afield will have the chance of seeing the British and Irish Lions training, which will be an amazing experience.

Media Opportunity - Interview / Photo
Date:          Friday 5 October 2012           
Time:         11.45am
Where:      Noosa Dolphins Rugby Club, Bicentennial Drive, Sunshine Beach
Who:          Queensland Reds Captain and 2011 Wallabies Captain, James Horwill
                    Ex Wallabies Player, Dan Crowley
                   Noosa Dolphins Rugby Club President, Chris Burton