Noosa Paints the Town Red with a Warm Welcome to The British & Irish Lions

Noosa gets ready to say 'Welcome to Noosa' this Sunday when Noosa will play home to some serious VIP's with the British & Irish Lions Rugby Team choosing the beachside destination for their official Training & Recovery Week as part of the 2013 Lions Tour of Australia.

With a contingent of more than 70 team members and management, a host of international media and swag of supporters basing themselves in Noosa, the town is ready to welcome the team and their fans.

Tourism Noosa, in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, the Dolphins Rugby Club and the Noosaville, Noosa Junction and Hastings Street business associations, have developed a range of materials for businesses to use to provide a warm welcome. Materials include window posters, shirt badges and drink coasters with the key message of 'Noosa Welcomes British & Irish Lions and supporters - Welcome to Noosa'. In addition to this visitors to the region will see welcoming street banners splashed alongside the streets of Hastings Street, Noosa Junction and Noosaville.

General Manager of Tourism Noosa Mr Damien Massingham said "This prestigious rugby union touring event only takes place in Australia every 12 years and in addition to the team, management and supporters visiting and experiencing everything Noosa has to offer, there will be a strong international media focus, particularly in the UK which is Noosa's number one international market. This is Noosa's time to shine for our international visitors and the media".

Celebrating their 125th anniversary tour, the tour takes place every 4 years but only comes to Australia every 12 years and incorporates 6 regional games and 3 test matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.