State Government campaign to entice visitors to north Queensland

Published Tuesday, 14 May, 2019 at 10:58 AM

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

A new tourism campaign encouraging Aussies to visit North Queensland will also generate cash for the North Queensland Flood Appeal, Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has announced.

Ms Jones said the campaign, funded through a $1 million Tourism and Events Queensland marketing assistance package, would be run by Ignite Travel Group, which would donate $50 from each sale of selected holiday packages to the St Vincent de Paul Society’s North Queensland appeal.

“When it’s freezing cold in Melbourne and Sydney there’s no better time to escape to warmth of north Queensland,” she said.

“More than 45 holiday packages are on offer through the campaign in Townsville, Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays.

“Locals have done it tough over the last 12 months. This campaign won’t only generate more funding to support ongoing recovery efforts, it will also give a great boost to the vital tourism industry.

“Tourism is a cornerstone of the economy in north Queensland. It’s important that we entice more tourists to support local jobs.

“That’s why Tourism and Events Queensland has partnered with regional tourism organisations, tourism operators and Queensland-based Ignite Travel Group to market holiday packages in key domestic markets.

“The aim is to drive more visitors to Townsville, Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays over the upcoming winter season – one of the best times to head north for a holiday.”

Ignite Travel Group CEO Ryan Thomas said as a local Queensland travel company with established retail brands, the group had a unique ability to deliver curated holiday experiences.

“With a thriving network of local operators across Whitsundays, Townsville and Tropical North Queensland onboard for this campaign, we’re inspiring Australians to discover the natural beauty of Queensland through exclusive holiday packages with accommodation, flights plus in-destination tours and experiences that showcase the best of each region,” he said.

“By harnessing our powerful distribution, reaching over 10 million Australians, the campaign is driving huge exposure for operators in key regions across North Queensland and we’re incredibly proud to be leading an initiative that’s supporting growth in the community.”

Townsville Enterprise CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said strong visitation over Easter and the school holiday period was particularly important considering the devasting weather event the region experienced in February.  

“Through a partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland we have been actively promoting the message across the state and nation that Townsville North Queensland is open for business and are our arms are open to visitors all year round.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Pip Close said southerners had started taking advantage of the deals to relax in Tropical North Queensland’s warm weather.

“The tropical winter months are a great time to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforest whether you want an easy adventure like swimming with turtles or the excitement of ziplining through the rainforest,” she said.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tash Wheeler said the region was thrilled with the commitment from the state government in support of the North Queensland tourism industry.

“We had a particularly quiet wet season, we hope this campaign will help get the word out that the Whitsundays along with our neighbours in Townsville and Tropical North Queensland have some amazing deals in place and we are open and ready to welcome you,” Ms Wheeler said.

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