Discounted airfares and accommodation on offer for a tropical Cairns holiday

• Discounted interstate and intrastate flights to Cairns through Qantas and Jetstar
• Flights from Brisbane to Cairns from $79*
• Discounted accommodation packages available through Qantas Hotels and Holidays, My Queensland and Luxury Escapes

Discounted airfares and accommodation are set to lure visitors back to Cairns as part of the $5 million tourism recovery package to support tourism operators impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and flooding.

The package is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

From today, the Qantas Group has launched a special sale to encourage Australians to visit Cairns and North Queensland to support tourism operators and local communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Qantas and Jetstar one-way Economy domestic sale fares to Cairns start from $129 and $79 respectively.

The sales include flights to and from most capital cities and intrastate routes for travel from mid-January to the end of March 2024.

Discounted accommodation packages will be available in coming weeks through Qantas Hotels & Holidays, My Queensland and Luxury Escapes.

Negotiations are also ongoing with other aviation and travel industry partners.

Quotes attributable to Premier of Queensland Steven Miles:

“There’s no question the people of Far North Queensland are incredibly resilient in the face of natural disasters,” the Premier said.

“But they also need the world to come and share the natural beauty of the region to ensure the tourism sector thrives.

“This jointly funded $5 million tourism recovery package aims to keep people coming to the region and provide crucial support to local businesses, local families and the local economy.

“The Australian and Queensland governments are committed to working together to get the Far North’s tourism sector back on its feet.” 

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“The clear message from tourism operators in Far North Queensland is that the region is open for business,” Minister Watt said.

“That is why the Australian and Queensland Governments have worked with airlines and accommodation providers to help spread the word and encourage visitors back to one of the most stunning locations on Earth.

“The discounts on offer are substantial and ideal for anyone looking for an exciting or relaxing tropical getaway. They also support the communities of Far North Queensland in their recovery by attracting visitors back to the region.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Michael Healy:

“Tourism is one of the key pillars in our Far North economy,’’ Mr Healy said.

“This $5m tourism package has been designed with the tourism industry. It is an immediate step on the road to recovery.

“We are an iconic domestic and international destination with some of the most unique natural attractions on the planet.

“These discounted packages will assist holidaymakers to come to Cairns and enjoy an amazing and affordable world-class tourism experience.”

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

“This is exactly what our operators need up north to get back on their feet and to make up for lost revenue over their peak holiday season,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

“There are some great offers available for an unforgettable Queensland holiday with something for everyone, including $129 flights from Qantas and $79 flights with Jetstar.

“These are really strong price points which will encourage Australians to jump on a plane a take a holiday in Far North Queensland.

“Whether it be enjoying a tropical oasis relaxing poolside or experiencing a great adventure, from be snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, to marvelling at ancient rainforest, exploring the local markets and dining at world-class restaurants – Cairns operators are ready to welcome you.”

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

“The Tropical North Queensland tourism industry has been hit hard by holiday cancellations since early December, losing close to $300 million in bookings,” he said.

“This initiative will give the region a real shot in the arm as we need visitors now more than ever having missed out on what is traditionally a peak time for visitors over the Christmas and New Year period.

“It is ideal to visit at this time of year as summer brings outstanding visibility to the Great Barrier Reef and our rainforest tours are showcasing waterfalls at their best.

“While the iconic Great Barrier Reef Drive is under repair you can take a return trip from Cairns to Port Douglas by boat for just $50 and see the stunning mountains covered in Wet Tropics rainforest from the Coral Sea.”

Quotes attributable to Qantas Chief Customer Officer Catriona Larritt:

“Tropical North Queensland communities and businesses have faced incredibly challenging circumstances during this holiday period, when tourism operators are usually at their busiest.

“These special airfares will help boost the region’s recovery and rally Australians to visit North Queensland in the coming weeks and months.

“These heavily discounted fares offer great value for money, with customers able to lock in a last-minute getaway before the summer school holidays end.”

Additional information: 

Tourism Recovery - $5 million

The Tourism Recovery package is to enable the tourism industry to recover from the impact of TC Jasper and flooding and aims to boost visitation to bring tourists and income back to the Tropical North region and to provide assistance to businesses.

The Visitor Incentive Initiative is providing incentives for visitors to return to impacted regions through discounted flights and accommodation.

The package includes a Tourism Recovery Officer to be located with Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Infrastructure and Business Support program due to open in January 2024.

Funding is administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and the program delivered by the Department of Tourism and Sport and Tourism and Events Queensland.

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

ENDS

Media contacts:
Minister Watt: Brock Taylor 0499 779 387
Minister Healy: Peter Michael 0477 948 091