The Queensland Tourism Industry will receive a $10 million injection with a new Tourism Industry Support Package from the State and Federal Governments in addition to the Whitsundays receiving $350,000 from the Queensland Government in a deal to promote the area to holiday goers after Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the joint funding from the two levels of Government would provide a massive boost to the tourism industry when it needed it the most.
“It’s no secret the Tourism industry, like many industries in Queensland, has taken a hit by the floods and is still haemorrhaging because of the negative publicity that spread world-wide.
“That’s why we’re taking action now to get the message out to our interstate and international guests – Queensland is still a world class destination and we have our arms out ready to welcome you.
Ms Bligh said the funding would be used to roll out an interstate and international marketing campaign to assure potential travellers that Queensland is open for business.
Queensland Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said the funding boost would be a shot in the arm for tourism operators doing it tough.
“Tourism contributes a massive $9.2 billion per annum to the state, directly employing 122,000 people and indirectly employing 100,000 more.
Australian holiday goers are the also the target of a new $350,000 advertising campaign promoting the Whitsundays region under a new $350,000 marketing campaign, Premier Anna Bligh announced today.
In Airlie Beach for Community Cabinet, Ms Bligh said the new 74 Island Wonders campaign would target Sydneysiders and Melburnians with offers from $70 per night per person.
“The campaign, coordinated by Tourism Queensland with the support of Tourism Whitsundays and Virgin Blue, will encourage people to return to the region.
“The Whitsundays quickly got back to business following the cyclone, but it is one of the destinations suffering from the perception that all of Queensland was affected by the weather.
“We’re letting people know the Whitsundays is looking fantastic and is ready to welcome visitors.
Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said the Whitsundays sale fares would be available from now until the end of February, with travel dates extending through until 22 June.
“A range of holiday packages from 15 Whitsundays tourism operators have been incorporated into the campaign to cater for visitors on any budget,” he said.
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the campaign is all about increasing the visibility and presence of the Whitsundays.
“The new campaign reminds holidaymakers that the Whitsundays is the perfect place for their next getaway, and it will be a real boost for local accommodation houses and tour operators,” she said.
“Tourism is a major driver for the Whitsundays economy and it’s more important now than ever for our industry to work together,” Ms Jarratt said.
