Tourism operators now count on a bumper Easter and faculty holidays

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the Queensland tourism industry expects strong bookings for Easter and the school holidays as Greater Sydney’s COVID hotspot ends on Monday (February 1st).

“With Queensland open to all Australians again, the focus is on getting people to explore the Sunshine State and go on vacation,” said Ms. Palaszczuk

“The opening of the border with Greater Sydney alone could generate US $ 350 million in tourism profit.

“That’s spent 370,000 Sydneysiders in 2019 visiting Queensland for Easter.”

However, data released this week by Tourism Research Australia showed the devastating impact of the coronavirus on the tourism industry this past Easter, with spending in Queensland falling more than 80 percent.

“The upcoming pick-up from holidaymakers is very welcome news. And it is a great opportunity for families and friends to meet again, ”said the Prime Minister.

“We know that regions that are largely dependent on tourism continue to have a hard time, especially since the international border is still closed to visitors from overseas.

“I want everyone to go out and explore Queensland now. If your family has not been to the Great Barrier Reef before, this year is the perfect opportunity. There is just so much to do here.

“The great variety of experiences that we offer here has been highlighted again for me in numerous photos that so many happy summer vacationers have published in the comment area on my Facebook page.”

Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, said his industry has been experiencing a crisis of confidence lately.

“Visitors who reopen to New South Wales will earn our region a day worth $ 1 million. It’s a really good start.

“Those in the greater Sydney area hit our website hard. Cairns is now the third most googled travel destination in Australia. We hope this will be a holiday of a lifetime in Cairns and the far north, ”said Olsen.

Ms. Palaszczuk said with reservations booked, visitors shouldn’t wait too long to plan a Queensland getaway for Easter and the school holidays.

“With the help of Queenslanders and interstate visitors, we can help Queensland tourism not only rebuild, but rebuild stronger,” said the Prime Minister.

“Even so, we all have to do the right thing to stay COVID-proof and not get complacent.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the rugby league could also collect points for a big Easter celebration in Queensland.

“We expect an Easter frenzy among shark fans on the Sunshine Coast for the game against the North Queensland Cowboys on April 3,” said Hinchliffe.

“The cowboys always bring a showdown to town, so there are even more reasons for Sydney fans to make Queensland their Easter destination and then head north for the school holidays.

“I know the tourism industry really appreciates the support Queenslanders and interstate visitors have shown in exploring our vast state over the past year.

“Easter, the pedestrians and the school holidays are another incentive to keep this support going.

“Events and visitors create jobs for the economic recovery of tourism in Queensland.

“We’re helping tourism rebuild and we know how important the rugby league will be for Easter in Queensland.”

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