Tourism recovery to lure visitors north to Cairns in new year

• $5 million for immediate support for tourism industry and operators in impacted areas.
• Funding will deliver hardship assistance for eligible tourism businesses.
• The package will include incentives for visitors with discounted flight and accommodation offers.

Eligible tourism operators impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and flooding events will have immediate access to a $5 million tourism recovery package.

With more than 85 percent of tourism businesses in Tropical North Queensland open for business, the recovery package focuses on bringing tourists back to the region, as well as delivering immediate financial support to affected businesses.

The dedicated package includes travel incentives and business and infrastructure support.

In addition, Tourism and Events Queensland is set to roll out a marketing and media campaign showcasing Cairns and the wider region from 27 December 2023, complemented by discounted flight and accommodation packages available early 2024.

Business support will focus on tourism businesses not eligible for the existing Small Business Grants and minor infrastructure repairs. A dedicated Tourism Response Officer will also be placed with regional tourism organisation, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, for a minimum of three months.

The Tourism Recovery package is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“Far North Queensland is on the bucket list for so many and we are determined to keep attracting visitors to this beautiful part of the world,” Minister Watt said.

“Tourism is a fundamental part of the region’s economy, which is why the Australian and Queensland Governments are prioritising tourism recovery in this first disaster assistance package.

“The best support people can provide to these impacted communities right now is to keep their holiday plans locked in, and if they’re looking to travel in the future please consider our north.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Michael Healy:

“The Australian and Queensland Governments are committed to working together to deliver the support the residents and businesses of Far North Queensland need to get back on their feet,” Minister Healy said.

“It is amazing how resilient our tourism sector in Tropical North Queensland is, with the majority of our operators opening their doors and heading back out to the reef and the rainforest by the weekend,” he said.

“And some of the best help we can provide is to let people across Australia and the world know that Tropical North Queensland is open for business and one of the best places in the world to holiday.

“Our operators want customers, not handouts, as they get back to business, and we are rolling out marketing and travel packages to lure people to the far north for a tropical summer getaway.

“However, tourism operators, like all businesses in the areas impacted by the cyclone and flooding, will need assistance over the upcoming days, weeks and months and this package includes financial, business and minor infrastructure assistance, as well as the deployment of a dedicated Tourism Recovery Officer.

“Queensland’s tourism industry is resilient, we know that, but these measures will ensure our tourism operators have the help they need, when they need it most.”

Quotes attributable to CEO, Tourism and Events Queensland Patricia O'Callaghan:

“Cairns is one of our true tourism gems and we want as many people as possible to travel to all of North Queensland and rediscover a region like no other place on earth,” she said.

“Over the coming days and weeks we will be turbo-charging our domestic marketing activity to well-and-truly highlight that Cairns is open for business and tourism operators are ready to give you the experience of a lifetime.

“Combining great airfares with excellent accommodation deals gives travellers an added incentive to come north to see the Great Barrier Reef, marvel at the rainforest and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Quotes attributable to CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland Mark Olsen:

“Tropical North Queensland’s tourism industry welcomes the Queensland and Australian Government’s $5 million tourism recovery package which will provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the sector,” Mr Olsen said.

“The discounted flight and accommodation packages will be critical in getting travellers back during what is traditionally our domestic low season.

“The business and infrastructure support will provide much needed relief for businesses, especially those that have not had cash flow since December 10 when preparations for Cyclone Jasper got underway.

The Tropical North Queensland tourism industry is grateful to the State and Federal Governments for the speed in delivering this essential support.”

Tourism Recovery - $5 million

• The package includes the Infrastructure and Business Support program that aims to provide immediate hardship assistance to eligible tourism businesses.
• The Visitor Incentive Initiative will provide incentives for visitors to return to impacted regions through discounted flights and accommodation.
• The program will be administered by the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.disasterassist.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contacts:
Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772
Minister Healy: Peter Michael 0477 948 091