The immediate injection of $10 million for tourism marketing will help to overcome the perception that Queensland is underwater, according to peak national body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
The Federal and Queensland Governments will each contribute $5 million to a special marketing fund to help Queensland’s tourism industry recover from the impact of the floods.
TTF chief Executive John Lee said Australians could help Queensland by acting quickly to book a holiday in the state.
“We’re not saying it would be un-Australian to have an overseas holiday, what we are saying is that people can really help by choosing to holiday in Queensland instead of overseas.
“Takings are down, businesses have missed out on a big slice of trade over the Christmas holidays and that’s revenue that these businesses can’t get back, so we welcome the announcement of funding to help promote Queensland as a destination.
“The perception simply does not match the reality, which is that most of the key holiday destinations in Queensland escaped the flooding.”
Lee said the best way to help Queensland’s tourism operators is by giving them business, “so we’re encouraging families to take advantage of the five-day Easter weekend to book a Queensland holiday, and also urging businesses to take their AGMs and conferences to Queensland this year”.
