Holidaymakers are rushing to the Sunshine Coast during the school break, to make the most of the region’s weather and attractions.
Hotel bookings have increased while Sunshine Coast Airport is on track for a third straight month of record passenger numbers.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said the Sunshine Coast was a popular holiday choice for many reasons, including our beautiful beaches, lush hinterland, thriving food and drink scene, range of accommodation options and laid-back atmosphere.
“There is so much for families to do here. Many will take the opportunity to relax at the beach, explore the hinterland’s walking trails and have some fun at our attractions such as the Ginger Factory, Aussie World and Amaze World,” he said via a VSC media release.
“There are also some great new wildlife experiences on offer for the holidays, whether that’s meeting the new quokkas at Australia Zoo, discovering SeaLife Mooloolaba with Paw Patrol or joining the Night Zoo tour at WildLife HQ”.
“We are anticipating a good turnout these holidays from visitors from NSW and Victoria, and have been promoting the Sunshine Coast in these markets for the month of September with our ‘Sunshine Moments for real’ marketing campaign.
“It invites our visitors to come and find their sunshine moment on the Coast and will be featured on video on demand, digital advertising, social media, through publicity and on billboards at various locations in Melbourne and Geelong.
“Hotel bookings data from STR (Smith Travel Research) shows occupancy will continue to build through the school holiday period from 70 per cent to 85 per cent, which is encouraging.
“But it also means that we aren’t full, and there is accommodation available to those families still looking to take a break.”
Sunshine Coast Airport General Manager Aviation and Commercial Scott Norris said the September school holiday period was traditionally one of their busiest and it could be busier than ever before.
“We’ve already seen record passenger numbers in July and August, and high demand during the school holidays is putting us on track for a record September,” he said.
“More than 18,000 passengers have passed through the terminal over the first weekend of the holidays, with forecast passenger numbers for September up nearly 20 per cent on those we saw last year.
“Our airline partners have responded to the high demand by increasing the number of inbound and outbound services across the school holiday period, and with the additional regional connections in and out of Sunshine Coast Airport following Bonza’s launch earlier this year, we are now connected to more destinations than ever before.
“These new regional connections, combined with already established destinations, provide more options and flexibility for passengers, boosting tourism and supporting local business here on the Sunshine Coast.”
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