CASH BONUS JUST IN TIME FOR AN EASTER ‘BONUS’ BREAK TO CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

The State Government is urging Aussies to book a holiday escape to Central Queensland this Easter thanks to the Rudd Government’s cash bonus.

Premier Anna Bligh said the $1.3million Bonus Breaks campaign to be launched by Tourism Queensland will target southern tourists with quality bargain holiday breaks in key Queensland tourism regions in time for the first Federal Government cash bonuses which will be delivered in March.

“This is a great bonus for struggling Australians, but what we need to do is make sure that money goes back into the local economy to protect jobs,” Ms Bligh said.

“This new print, television and direct mail campaign will offer the best holiday deals in the country and I encourage all Australians to take advantage of them.”

“If we encourage and succeed in getting both locals and southerners to take advantage of the deals which will be on offer, we shore up those existing jobs and create new ones in the sector.

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said for less than $1,000, holiday-makers could enjoy up to five nights – including airfares and accommodation – in key Queensland holiday destinations such as Central Queensland. 

“Now is the time for the local community to encourage friends and family who live elsewhere in Queensland and interstate to come and visit them in places like Rockhampton and Gladstone.

Ms Boyle said the government had joined forces with Flight Centre and Virgin Blue, two Queensland companies, to stage the deals which will come on-line in early March.

“We aim to generate an additional 22,000 extra bed nights and $13million in visitor expenditure throughout Queensland.

“With the combination of the Federal Government’s $950 cash bonus and the savings families will get with the reduction in mortgage rates announced yesterday, I encourage everyone to consider taking a bonus break.

“By doing so, you are not only putting those dollars back into the economy, but helping sustain our tourism industry and maintaining those jobs which are so crucial to all Queenslanders.”

Ms Bligh added the tourism industry is feeling the effects of the global economic downturn and said there’s no option but to act quickly and decisively to ensure jobs – from hotel staff to tour guides to theme park workers to airport staff – are safe.

“As recently as last week when I visited Cairns, tourism industry officials asked me when and what the government would be doing next to help shore up the industry.
“Last year my government provided a $4million rescue package to support the tourism industry during a tough time.

“The first major domestic campaign using that money generated an additional 16,000 bed nights which provided an economic bonus for the state of $9.5million.

“Our priority is to make this campaign more successful to further protect Queensland jobs.”

ENDS

Media:

Zoe Russell - 3224 2007 / 0437 436 914
Marcus Taylor – 3225 1005 / 0419 025 326