The Sunshine Coast will be one of the key tourism areas to benefit as Queensland throws open the doors to Greater Sydney today.
The Queensland tourism industry is expecting strong bookings for Easter and the school holidays and events, including a major one on the Coast.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said rugby league could pile points on the board for a big Queensland Easter.
“We’re expecting an Easter feeding frenzy among Cronulla Sharks fans on the Sunshine Coast for the April 3 match against the North Queensland Cowboys,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The Cowboys always bring a showdown to town, so there’s even more reason for Sydney footy fans to make Queensland their Easter destination and then make the hop further north for the school holidays.
“I know the tourism industry genuinely appreciates the support Queenslanders and interstate visitors have shown in the last year by exploring our vast state.
“Easter, the footy and the school holidays are another incentive to keep that support going.
“Events and visitors mean jobs for Queensland tourism’s economic recovery.
“We’re helping tourism rebuild better and know just how important Rugby League will be for Easter in Queensland.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said opening the border to Greater Sydney could result in a $350m tourism windfall.
“That’s what 370,000 Sydneysiders spent in 2019, visiting Queensland for Easter.”
Data released this week by Tourism Research Australia though revealed the devastating impact coronavirus had on the tourism industry last Easter, with spending down more than 80 per cent in Queensland.
“The coming pick-up in holiday makers is very welcome news. And it’s a great opportunity for families and friends to get together again,” the Premier said.
“We know that regions largely reliant on tourism are continuing to do it tough, particularly with the international border still closed to overseas visitors.
“I want everyone to get out now and explore Queensland. If your family hasn’t been to the Great Barrier Reef, this year is the perfect opportunity. There’s just so much to do here.
“The great variety of experiences we offer here, have been highlighted again for me, in numerous photos so many happy summer school holidaymakers have posted in the comments section on my Facebook page.”
Ms Palaszczuk said with bookings firming up, visitors shouldn’t leave it too long to plan a Queensland getaway for Easter and the school holidays.
“With the help of Queenslanders and interstate visitors, we can help Queensland tourism to not only rebuild but to rebuild stronger,” the Premier said.
“Still we must all keep doing the right things to stay COVID-safe and not become complacent.”
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