Published Tuesday, 26 February, 2008 at 12:00 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Raining one day, beautiful the next – It's back to business for Qld's tourism industry
A $150,000 marketing campaign to offset the negative effects of the recent weather in the Whitsundays was announced by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh in Parliament today.
Ms Bligh said the State continued to count the cost of the recent floods that have wreaked havoc on regional Queensland.
“The personal cost to many Queenslanders is not limited to the damage done to their homes but to their businesses as well,” Ms Bligh said.
“Queensland’s $18 billion tourism industry is already feeling the effects.
“The peak Summer holiday season from Airlie Beach to Coolangatta was heavily effected by bad weather and resulted in lower than average patronage and the estimated financial cost is at $4.5 million so far.
“But it will be the ongoing effects of any future holiday cancellations that could see that figure significantly increase.
“There are reports that negative media coverage in the southern states has resulted in regional tourism operators receiving holiday cancellations for up to six months ahead and we want to minimise this as much as possible.
“Tourism Queensland will redirect $150,000 of its advertising spend to send a targeted message to interstate and international visitors that we are still open for business.
“We want to send a clear message to our potential interstate and international visitors that it might be raining one day, but it’ll be perfect the next,” she said.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said one of Queensland’s premier tourism destinations, the Whitsundays, was one of the most affected regions.
“While the regions infrastructure and operators weathered the storm the negative publicity has resulted in a significant amount of cancellations from interstate holidaymakers,” Ms Boyle said.
“The State Government, Tourism Queensland and Regional Tourism Organisations are working hard with our international offices, travel press and key travel agents to drive tourists back to the Whitsundays.
“I congratulate the state’s tourism operators and industry for working together to overcome this difficult time.
“Queensland has a strong, united and very resilient tourism industry and the dedication of effected operators to overcoming recent setbacks is in the true spirit of the state industry.
“It’s official - Queensland’s tourism industry is very much open for business,” she said.
Ms Bligh said the State continued to count the cost of the recent floods that have wreaked havoc on regional Queensland.
“The personal cost to many Queenslanders is not limited to the damage done to their homes but to their businesses as well,” Ms Bligh said.
“Queensland’s $18 billion tourism industry is already feeling the effects.
“The peak Summer holiday season from Airlie Beach to Coolangatta was heavily effected by bad weather and resulted in lower than average patronage and the estimated financial cost is at $4.5 million so far.
“But it will be the ongoing effects of any future holiday cancellations that could see that figure significantly increase.
“There are reports that negative media coverage in the southern states has resulted in regional tourism operators receiving holiday cancellations for up to six months ahead and we want to minimise this as much as possible.
“Tourism Queensland will redirect $150,000 of its advertising spend to send a targeted message to interstate and international visitors that we are still open for business.
“We want to send a clear message to our potential interstate and international visitors that it might be raining one day, but it’ll be perfect the next,” she said.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said one of Queensland’s premier tourism destinations, the Whitsundays, was one of the most affected regions.
“While the regions infrastructure and operators weathered the storm the negative publicity has resulted in a significant amount of cancellations from interstate holidaymakers,” Ms Boyle said.
“The State Government, Tourism Queensland and Regional Tourism Organisations are working hard with our international offices, travel press and key travel agents to drive tourists back to the Whitsundays.
“I congratulate the state’s tourism operators and industry for working together to overcome this difficult time.
“Queensland has a strong, united and very resilient tourism industry and the dedication of effected operators to overcoming recent setbacks is in the true spirit of the state industry.
“It’s official - Queensland’s tourism industry is very much open for business,” she said.