Queenslanders lured with huge savings on new intrastate travel incentive
Campaign tipped to generate $80 million for pandemic-hit tourism operators
While the citizens of New South Wales now have the freedom to start booking their overseas holiday trips, with the UK, Bali and US top of the list, the Queensland Government has this morning launched one of its biggest-ever tourism promotions aimed at encouraging Queenslanders to holiday in their own backyard.
Part of an $8 million campaign expected to generate $80 million for the state’s tourism businesses, the ‘Great Queensland Getaway’ kicked off this morning at 09.00am luring Queenslanders to book heavily discounted, value-added holidays right around the state with big savings on flights, accommodation and tours.
Announcing the initiative, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she had seen firsthand the significant impact the pandemic has had on Queensland’s tourism businesses.
“We’re working hard to find new ways to support tourism businesses to make it through these challenging times, she said.
“This campaign will entice thousands of Queenslanders to get out and explore their own state.”
On sale at Queensland.com, incentives to book include up to 50 percent off tourism experiences, plus budget flights and Queensland bus passes.
“There’s never been a better excuse to book a Queensland holiday,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Tourism Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe said the ‘Great Queensland Getaway’ was part of the government’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan for tourism.
“With our two biggest customers New South Wales and Victoria unable to travel, this is a great opportunity for Queenslanders to explore our state and support tourism operators,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“To date the government has invested more than $1 billion in direct support for the tourism industry.
“We’re rewarding Queenslanders for their great work on managing the health impacts of the pandemic and helping to boost Covid-19 vaccinations.
“Being part of the ‘Great Queensland Getaway’ helps local businesses in tourism destinations across the state.”
Campaign partners Virgin Australia and Greyhound Australia Marketing and Communications have both jumped at the opportunity to be part of the initiative while Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath said the campaign offered a much-needed boost for tourism businesses and operators..
The ‘Great Queensland Getaway’ campaign is on until 6.00pm AEST, Sunday, October 31 unless sold out sooner.
Travel can be taken from October 18 until December 2021 (airfares) or through until January 23, 2022 and beyond (all other deals).
Full details available at Queensland.com.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
