Ray of sunshine: $5 million lure for visitors to help revive Covid-struck tourism sector
The Palaszczuk Government will spend more than $5 million to try to ensure the state’s Covid-hit tourism industry can take better advantage of the end of state border closures and the coming return of international visitors.
The Palaszczuk Government has released its long awaited tourism strategy for the next 10 years.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the funding would help promote holiday deals, discount airfares and other incentives to lure tourists back to Queensland’s holiday destinations.
The series of campaigns is aimed at luring holiday makers back to regions like north Queensland, which suffered a near 50 per cent drop in visitors last year on latest offical figures.
Industry group the Tourism and Transport Forum estimated the pandemic had cost Queensland tourism at least $20 billion and 40,000 jobs.
Speaking in Bundaberg on Wednesday, Palaszczuk said it would be the first national tourism campaign by Queensland in more than 18 months.
“If you’ve been dreaming of a holiday in Queensland, now’s the time to book your flights,” she said.
“There are plenty of new experiences to come and enjoy, as well as all the old Queensland favourites.
“To visitors planning their next holiday – I welcome you to come and explore Queensland.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Great Queensland Getaway campaign, to begin on February 13, would include holiday packages, a Virgin Australia sale on airfares and a competition featuring “once in a lifetime” travel prizes.
“Virgin Australia is launching sales on fares from all major interstate airports into Queensland and Accor has special accommodation rates from $119 per night,” he said.
Other deals on offer included a $1 breakfast on the Fraser Coast, wine and dine packages on the Gold Coast and Sunshine coast kayaking deals, he said.
