scUber: First tourism submarine on the Great Barrier Reef

Heron Island, Queensland, Australia, May 23, 2019: Queensland, Australia, in partnership with Uber, today announces the launch of scUber, the world's first submarine ride-along experience, which plunges into the sea on the Great Barrier Reef on Monday, May 27. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will offer riders an unfiltered experience of Australia's underwater world for a limited time.

Starting May 27, scUber will be available for a limited number of riders to request through the Uber app, and riders will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exquisite beauty of the Great Barrier Reef - sans snorkel mask!

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Leanne Coddington, commented on the importance of Queensland's partnership with Uber to bring the Reef back into the spotlight, "In late 2018, consumer research found that exploring the Great Barrier Reef by submarine would be the most sought-after travel experience of the future for visitors. scUber fulfills this desire and reinforces Queensland Tourism's commitment to providing truly remarkable opportunities for locals and visitors to explore nature's wonderland.

"We are thrilled to partner with Uber to showcase the beauty of the Reef through this innovative experience. In addition, we're offering several adventurous travelers from around the world the chance to win a ScUber experience for two as part of a global travel contest launched today."

Commenting on the significance of this innovative new addition to the reef, Susan Anderson, Regional General Manager, Uber, Australia and New Zealand, said: "Uber is committed to harnessing the power of technology for good. We are proud to partner with Queensland to introduce the Reef to the world with the launch of scUber. At Uber, we believe good things happen when people move - whether it's getting people from point A to point B in their city or making dreams come true and experiencing the world's greatest natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef. We look forward to seeing how visitors to the Great Barrier Reef embrace this new form of movement and commit to the Reef for years to come." The ScUber experience will be available on Heron Island off Gladstone in the Southern Great Barrier Reef region from May 27, before moving to Agincourt Reef off the coast of Port Douglas in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef region from June 9. Availability is strictly limited. The ScUber experience costs $ AUD 3,000 (approximately CHF 2075.00) for two riders and includes:

• Pickup from your location using the Uber app;
• Return helicopter flight to Heron Island (for riders requesting Gladstone) or Quicksilver Cruises pontoon off the coast of Port Douglas (for riders requesting Cairns, Port Douglas and Palm Cove);
• One hour ride on a scuber submarine;
• Return Uber ride to your original pickup address.

To celebrate the launch, Queensland and Uber are offering this extraordinary experience to one lucky winner and a friend from the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, New Zealand and Australia. To enter the contest, interested parties log on to scUberQueensland.com and explain in no more than 25 words why they in particular should experience the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef with scUber.

How do I request my ScUber ride? ScUber rides are charged at AUD 1,500 (Australian dollars) per person with a minimum of AUD 3,000 per ride. Helicopter transfers to and from the Queensland mainland are included. The ScUber ride lasts one hour and is bookable through the Uber app. Availability is not guaranteed.

About the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest and longest coral reef in the world, covering more than 69 million soccer fields, and is home to 600 different coral species (one-third of the world's coral species), approximately 1,625 fish species, and more than 1,000 islands. Tourism to the Great Barrier Reef is significant, with nearly three million tourists visiting the World Heritage Site each year. About 80 percent of all tourism activity occurs within 7 percent of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. In 2018, a whopping 744,000 Americans visited Australia, of which 31% visited Queensland (229,000). Of those inbound visitors to Queensland, 166,000 traveled for leisure or vacation. On average, each visitor from the U.S. spent A$1,808 in Queensland last year. 45% traveled alone, 29% as part of a couple, 11% with family, and 12% with friends.