Published Tuesday, 25 March, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Queensland open for last minute Easter deals
Queensland still has some fantastic Easter deals available for savvy holidaymakers looking for a last minute getaway, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said today.
Ms Boyle said destinations such as the Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and Tropical North Queensland were currently offering some of the best Easter holiday deals to be had for years – particularly for families.
“Holiday bookings for this Easter are softer than they have been for a number of years, a fact which works to the advantage of savvy holidaymakers who haven’t yet booked their Easter break,” Ms Boyle said.
She said there were a number of reasons for the slower bookings during what was generally one of Australia’s busiest holiday periods.
“Easter this year comes in the wake of a very wet Queensland summer – which has affected forward bookings for many regions as many holidaymakers are waiting until the last minute to see what the weather will be like.
“Additionally, for the first time this year, Queensland and New South Wales school holidays don’t run straight on from the holiday weekend, thus splitting the holiday market.
“Combine these factors with a strong Australian dollar sending younger Aussies overseas and families tightening their belts in the wake of rising petrol prices and interest rates and many destinations are not as heavily booked as they usually would be over Easter.”
Ms Boyle said these factors created some excellent opportunities for last-minute bookers, particularly those looking for accommodation in the mid-range market.
“There are still some good school holiday vacancies and great deals in most of Queensland’s coastal regions and Easter is also the perfect time to visit the Outback as the temperatures are cooler and the region is green and lush following this year’s big wet,” she said.
“Potential holidaymakers will however be hard-pressed to find empty spots in the state’s caravan parks and campgrounds which are recording a bumper season.”
Likewise, many four star and five star properties were recording strong bookings.
“Couples and singles are taking advantage of the fact that Easter and the school holidays don’t coincide this year and are pampering themselves with a luxurious long weekend away from the school holiday crowds,” she said.
Ms Boyle said holidaymakers should check the queenslandholidays.com.au website and other major booking sites for the latest Queensland holiday ideas and deals.
“There are some fantastic value holidays to be had and it’s definitely not too late to book,” she said.
Ms Boyle said Tourism Queensland would also soon be announcing a series of new campaigns targeting aimed at boosting visitation to the state’s regions.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005
Tourism Queensland: 3535 5010
20 March 2008
Ms Boyle said destinations such as the Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and Tropical North Queensland were currently offering some of the best Easter holiday deals to be had for years – particularly for families.
“Holiday bookings for this Easter are softer than they have been for a number of years, a fact which works to the advantage of savvy holidaymakers who haven’t yet booked their Easter break,” Ms Boyle said.
She said there were a number of reasons for the slower bookings during what was generally one of Australia’s busiest holiday periods.
“Easter this year comes in the wake of a very wet Queensland summer – which has affected forward bookings for many regions as many holidaymakers are waiting until the last minute to see what the weather will be like.
“Additionally, for the first time this year, Queensland and New South Wales school holidays don’t run straight on from the holiday weekend, thus splitting the holiday market.
“Combine these factors with a strong Australian dollar sending younger Aussies overseas and families tightening their belts in the wake of rising petrol prices and interest rates and many destinations are not as heavily booked as they usually would be over Easter.”
Ms Boyle said these factors created some excellent opportunities for last-minute bookers, particularly those looking for accommodation in the mid-range market.
“There are still some good school holiday vacancies and great deals in most of Queensland’s coastal regions and Easter is also the perfect time to visit the Outback as the temperatures are cooler and the region is green and lush following this year’s big wet,” she said.
“Potential holidaymakers will however be hard-pressed to find empty spots in the state’s caravan parks and campgrounds which are recording a bumper season.”
Likewise, many four star and five star properties were recording strong bookings.
“Couples and singles are taking advantage of the fact that Easter and the school holidays don’t coincide this year and are pampering themselves with a luxurious long weekend away from the school holiday crowds,” she said.
Ms Boyle said holidaymakers should check the queenslandholidays.com.au website and other major booking sites for the latest Queensland holiday ideas and deals.
“There are some fantastic value holidays to be had and it’s definitely not too late to book,” she said.
Ms Boyle said Tourism Queensland would also soon be announcing a series of new campaigns targeting aimed at boosting visitation to the state’s regions.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005
Tourism Queensland: 3535 5010
20 March 2008