Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has announced a new tourism campaign to encourage Aussies to visit Far North Queensland.
Ms Jones said the campaign, funded through a $1 million Tourism and Events Queensland marketing assistance package, would be run by Ignite Travel Group, which would donate $50 from each sale of selected holiday packages to the St Vincent de Paul Society’s North Queensland appeal.
“When it’s freezing cold in Melbourne and Sydney there’s no better time to escape to warmth of north Queensland,” she said.
“More than 45 holiday packages are on offer through the campaign in Townsville, Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays.
“Locals have done it tough over the last 12 months. This campaign won’t only generate more funding to support ongoing recovery efforts, it will also give a great boost to the vital tourism industry.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of the economy in north Queensland. It’s important that we entice more tourists to support local jobs.
“That’s why Tourism and Events Queensland has partnered with regional tourism organisations, tourism operators and Queensland-based Ignite Travel Group to market holiday packages in key domestic markets.
“The aim is to drive more visitors to Townsville, Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays over the upcoming winter season – one of the best times to head north for a holiday.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Pip Close said southerners had started taking advantage of the deals to relax in Tropical North Queensland’s warm weather.
“The tropical winter months are a great time to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforest whether you want an easy adventure like swimming with turtles or the excitement of ziplining through the rainforest,” she said.
Ignite Travel Group CEO Ryan Thomas said as a local Queensland travel company with established retail brands, the group had a unique ability to deliver curated holiday experiences.
“With a thriving network of local operators across Whitsundays, Townsville and Tropical North Queensland on board for this campaign, we’re inspiring Australians to discover the natural beauty of Queensland through exclusive holiday packages with accommodation, flights plus in-destination tours and experiences that showcase the best of each region,” he said.
“By harnessing our powerful distribution, reaching over 10 million Australians, the campaign is driving huge exposure for operators in key regions across North Queensland and we’re incredibly proud to be leading an initiative that’s supporting growth in the community.”
[QLD Government Media Release]
