Queenslanders can book heavily discounted holidays right around the state from Monday as the Palaszczuk Government launches one of its biggest-ever tourism campaigns.
The ‘Great Queensland Getaway’ – an $8 million tourism campaign – will offer big discounts on flights, accommodation and tourism experiences to incentivise Queenslanders to book a local holiday. It’s the perfect time to book your school holiday activities in Brisbane.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said now was the time to book a Great Queensland Getaway.
“I’ve seen firsthand the significant impact the pandemic has had on tourism businesses right throughout the state,” the Premier said.
“We’re working hard to find new ways to support tourism businesses to make it through these challenging times.
“This campaign will entice thousands of Queenslanders to get out and explore their own state.”
The Premier said the campaign was expected to generate $80 million for tourism businesses.
“On sale at Queensland.com from Monday, there will be up to 50 per cent off tourism experiences, plus budget flights and Queensland bus passes.
“There’s never been a better excuse to book a Queensland holiday.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Great Queensland Getaway was part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan for tourism.
“With our two biggest customers – New South Wales and Victoria unable to travel – this is a great opportunity for Queenslanders to explore our state and support tourism operators,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“To date the Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $1 billion in direct support for the tourism industry.
“We’re rewarding Queenslanders for their great work on managing the health impacts of the pandemic and helping to boost Covid-19 vaccinations.
“Being part of the Great Queensland Getaway helps local businesses in tourism destinations across the state.”
Gold Coast-based Palaszczuk Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon encouraged Queenslanders to discover why the Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and throw their support behind the hundreds of local businesses.
“From our national parks and beaches to our major theme parks and world-class restaurants and cafes, the Gold Coast has it all,” Minister Scanlon said.
“With the average domestic tourist spending around $1000 per trip, you’ll also be helping support local jobs as we navigate through the impacts of COVID-19.”
Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said Virgin was glad to partner with the state government through the Great Queensland Getaway campaign.
“Virgin Australia is proud to be partnering with the Queensland Government on the ‘Great Queensland Getaway’ to do our bit to help Queensland families take off on a well-deserved holiday,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for Queenslanders to see parts of this beautiful state that they might not have had the chance to visit in a while.
“Our award-winning cabin crew look forward to doing what they do best and welcoming Queenslanders on board and back into our skies.”
Greyhound Australia Marketing and Communications Manager Michael Leard said the proudly born and bred Queensland business had jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the Great Queensland Getaway campaign.
“By way of our Whimit hop on, hop off pass we want to provide Queenslanders our best value travel ever,” Mr Leard said.
“You could call it mates rates – at $75 for a five-day Whimit pass, you can travel on a luxury Greyhound to 50 destinations around the state, from Brisbane to Cairns and Rockhampton out to Longreach.
“We all know how great this state is and, with this campaign initiative from the Queensland Government, now is the time to book a trip and see everything it has to offer across city, coast and country.”
Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said Accor was one of the largest hotel operators in Queensland, with more than 100 properties and deals on offer through the campaign from $110.
“We hope our selection of affordable and flexible accommodation deals will inspire Queenslanders to explore the world-leading holiday experiences that they have right on their doorstep, Mr McGrath said.
“This campaign offers a much-needed boost for tourism businesses and operators, like ours.”
Cinzia Burnes, Executive Director and Head of Wholesale and Inbound, Helloworld, said there has never been a better time for Queenslanders to visit all that their great state has to offer.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Tourism and Events Queensland for this campaign,” Ms Burnes said.
“We have secured extraordinary deals on accommodation and experiences that are unlikely to be repeated in the future and the campaign will support the many small tourism businesses throughout the state.”
MyQueensland CEO Josh Thomas said a range of holiday packages would be available to be booked.
“As a Queensland-based business, we are proud to work with Tourism and Events Queensland and Virgin Australia on a campaign that supports our local tourism operators.
“Our team of My Queensland experts have curated a range of exclusive packages that embrace the incredible experiences Queensland has to offer with up to $2,000 in Bonus Value included
“Coupled with the incredible air stimulus, there has never been a better time to explore our beautiful backyard”.
Owner of the Brisbane region’s Bay Islands Art and Scenic Tours, Anita Bertoncelj, was one of the first businesses to register to participate in the campaign.
“The Brisbane Holiday Dollars campaign was a big success for my business so when I found out this new campaign would be promoting tours, I was excited to take part,” Ms Bertoncelj said.
“I want to share the jewels of Moreton Bay with visitors – to show people the natural beauty of our islands, meet with local artists and get ‘hands-on’ creating art for themselves.
“I welcome Queenslanders to come and explore with me, using their promo code to get up to 50 per cent off.”
The Great Queensland Getaway campaign goes on sale at 9:00am AEST Monday 18 October and is on sale until 6:00pm AEST, Sunday 31 October unless sold out sooner. Travel can be taken from 18 October until 12 December 2021 (airfares) or through until 23 January 2022 and beyond (all other deals).
Go to Queensland.com to book your holiday now.
