Two campaigns launch in support of Cairns and Great Barrier Reef recovery

• Two campaigns have launched to support the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region.
• ‘Tropical Dollars’ is a $450,000, two-phase program offering travel vouchers worth $100 each for North Queensland residents to spend on tourism experiences throughout the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region.
• Webjet to launch sale fares to Cairns for up to $100* off, one-way, available from 00:01am tomorrow, Friday 2 February 2024 for immediate travel until 30 April 2024.

Two more relief initiatives supported by the Albanese and Miles Governments are being rolled out for the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region this week, complementing significant early relief already underway for the tourism industry and the thousands of locals it employs.

Locals are also being treated with the launch of ‘Tropical Dollars’, a $450,000 incentive which offers residents across the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region 2,500 vouchers for $100 off local tourism experiences in the first phase, giving locals the chance to access exceptional discounts on world-class experiences in their backyard.

Residents from a broad range of Tropical North Queensland local government areas* can use a special promotional code to receive $100 off when they spend a minimum of $200 on experiences and attractions.

The deals are available for travel until 30 April 2024.

Tropical Dollars deals will be available at tropicaldollars.experienceoz.com.au from 00:00am today, Thursday 1 February 2024.

Webjet will also launch heavily discounted airfares to Cairns, which are up for grabs as of 00:01am, 2 February until sold out, at up to $100** off one-way for both intrastate and interstate travellers.

The travel period commences immediately and extends through to 30 April 2024.

Get in quickly at www.webjet.com.au/destinations/cairns to book the airfares.

Both initiatives are funded by the Albanese and Miles Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) following Cyclone Jasper and will be delivered in partnership with Experience Oz, an Australian-owned platform dedicated to offering a bounty of experiences across Tropical North Queensland and Australia, and Webjet.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:

“We recognised early on that the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper would significantly affect the Far North’s tourism industry at a time when they would normally have expected the peak of the season.

“That’s why both levels of Government came together to deliver a significant investment of over $1 million in joint funding through the Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program, to help operators during these challenging times, and continue economic activity across the region.

“The Albanese Government is really pleased to work with the Miles Government on meaningful initiatives that will help the region bounce back. On top of that support, we’re giving locals a chance to get out there and experience some of the things this great part of Queensland has to offer.

“I want to thank those who have come to the table to support this great outcome for those who have been hit hard by these events economically.”

This funding is just one part of the Albanese and Miles Governments multi million commitment to support the Far North Queensland tourism industry, its operators and staff.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Michael Healy:

"Tropical North Queensland is such a jewel in our state and we're committed to helping it shine again after the extreme weather.”

"Tropical Dollars will not only benefit locals in this time of high cost of living pressures, but it will contribute to the recovery of our local tourism industry, building back the strength of this wonderful community."

“It’s a great chance for locals to reacquaint themselves with all of the spectacular sights, tastes and sounds that this exceptional region is so well known for and to have a break after what’s been a very challenging time.

“And it is only phase one of this program, with more to come for North Queensland residents.

“It’s also so exciting to see Webjet offer such exceptional airfares. There’s never been a better excuse to get up here to Cairns, with cost of living at the forefront of everyone’s minds, these airfares won’t break the bank and will give welcome support to local jobs by bringing people to Cairns.”

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

“These initiatives will give a much-welcomed boost to the local businesses and tourism operators in Tropical North Queensland, and that’s exciting.

“These initiatives mark the next phase of what has been a continuous marketing campaign since before Christmas to support the tourism industry to recover its significant losses following Cyclone Jasper and flooding.

“Tropical Dollars helps locals ease the pinch that is so widely felt by rising cost-of-living, helping locals get out in their community and have great experiences at a fraction of the cost.

“Our valued aviation collaborations make airfares accessible for those outside of the region, with Webjet to offer extremely affordable airfares of incredible value. The Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region is on the bucket list of many and these airfares help travellers' dollars stretch further.”

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

“Tropical Dollars will give Tropical North Queenslanders the opportunity to enjoy the unique experiences that attract visitors from around the world.

“Summer is the best time to take your first dive on the Great Barrier Reef while the winds are gentle and the water is clear or to take the kids snorkelling at an outer reef pontoon.

“If you’ve never glided over the rainforest in a gondola or tried the adventure of white water rafting, now is the time to do it.”

Quotes attributable to Big Red Group CEO, David Anderson:

“We’re proud to be supporting tourism recovery through the Tropical Dollars initiative.”

“Experience Oz was built to create an easy way for travellers to access the very best of what their destination has to offer - and the tech platform rolled out for this campaign offers deals that showcase the very best of Tropical North Queensland.”

"With 2,500 vouchers available, these experiences will be available to a broad audience - and we're confident Australians will be keen to show their support for the local experience economy.”

Quotes attributable to Webjet OTA CEO, David Galt:

“As North Queensland is ready to welcome back visitors with open arms, Webjet are proud to be supporting the region by discounting flights into Cairns to help stimulate the visitor economy.

“At a time when the cost of living is top of mind for everyone, these cheap airfares not only make the journey affordable but also extend a warm hand of support to locals and businesses by bringing more people to Cairns.

“We urge Aussies to support the region during this time and be part of its recovery following a difficult start to the year for tourism operators and residents.

“The sun is shining, the rainforests are thriving, and Cairns is brimming with activities to give Aussie visitors a dose of unforgettable adventure.”

ENDS

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

**Local Government Areas include Aurukun Shire Council, Burke Shire Council, Cairns Regional Council, Carpentaria Shire Council. Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Cook Shire Council, Croydon Shire Council, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, Douglas Shire Council, Etheridge Shire Council, Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council, Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council, Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, Mareeba Shire Council, Mornington Shire Council, Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, Tablelands Regional Council, Torres Shire Council, Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Wujal Wujal Aborignal Shire Council, Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, Weipa Town Authority.

**Offer valid from 00:01 2 February - 23:59 6 February 2024 (AEDT), or until sold out, and is valid for one-way flights into Cairns, Queensland from 00:01 2 February - 23:59 30 April, 2024 for any available airline. Offer can be withdrawn or adjusted at any time without notice. These discounts apply per person for flights originating within Australia booked on at https://www.webjet.com.au/ or on the app. Prices listed are the lowest prices available during this sale and savings are available across campaign travel dates, but may be at a higher price. Advertised prices shown are inclusive of applicable taxes and airline surcharges but excludes Webjet Fees. Advertised Prices are subject to change without notice, perform a search to view live pricing. Discount is for new flight bookings made during the sale period and is already applied in the search results. Offer can be withdrawn or adjusted at any time without notice. Normal airfare conditions and booking fees apply; details will be displayed during the online booking process. Offer excludes Multi-City and Holiday Package Bookings and is not applicable to any other destination. Discounting applies to the airfare component of the flight booking only, and will not apply to any additional charges, fees, or taxes.