Visitors urged to hop into Queensland this Easter

There is no better place to holiday this Easter than in Queensland.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said Queensland operators’ doors were open, ready to welcome visitors ahead of the school holidays.

“The back-to-back long weekends of Easter (18 – 21 April) and Anzac Day (25 -27 April) make a great excuse to take a break at one of the great tourism locations across Queensland,” said Minister Stuckey.

“From our famous theme parks and wildlife sanctuaries, to a Whitsundays island escape, natural encounter along the Great Barrier Reef, beauty of a walk in one of the state’s rainforests or the quintessential Aussie heritage on offer from a station-stay in the Outback, Queensland offers a range of holiday options this Easter.

“Many destinations are also hosting fantastic events and Easter festivals, such as Easterfest in Toowoomba, the Surfers Paradise Festival on the Gold Coast, the exclusive Cai Guo-Qiang exhibition at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art and the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Cairns,” she said.

“While many operators are reporting strong bookings, there are still some vacancies for visitors who want to escape to our state’s superb destinations.”

Mary Carroll from Capricorn Enterprise said the sun was shining and the crystal blue water was calm after recent weather events along the Capricorn Coast & Southern Great Barrier Reef.

“Easter is a great time of year to visit the Capricorn coast and greater region,” said Ms Carroll.

“From the rainforest to the reef, Queenslanders can enjoy a diverse tropical holiday while also supporting hard working, local tourism operators.”

Ms Stuckey said the Newman Government was working closely with operators like Ms Carroll to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy.

“Destination Success 20-year plan for tourism sets out our aspirations, placing Queensland as the number one destination of choice for local and international travellers, both now and in to the future,” she said.

“Partnerships as well as a shared vision between Government and industry will help achieve our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion in 2020.

“We’re on track with reports of a strong summer holiday period coming through. 

“I heartily encourage visitors to extend their stay and enjoy a happy and safe holiday in Queensland this Easter,” Minister Stuckey said.

For more information on Queensland destinations or to book an Easter break visit - www.queensland.com

[ENDS] 3 April 2014

Media Contacts: Minister’s Office – 3719 7247  
Tourism and Events Queensland – 3535 5010