Tourism recovery to lure visitors north to Cairns in 2024
Following Tropical Cyclone Jasper and subsequent flooding, a $5 million tourism recovery package is swiftly aiding affected operators in Tropical North Queensland, offering immediate financial aid, travel incentives, business support, and infrastructure assistance to revitalise the region's tourism.
Eligilble tourism operators impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and flooding events will have immediate access to a $5 million tourism recovery package.
With more than 85 percent of tourism businesses in Tropical North Queensland open for business, the recovery package focuses on bringing tourists back to the region, as well as delivering immediate financial support to affected businesses.
The dedicated package includes travel incentives and business and infrastructure support.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen welcomed the package.
“This will provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the sector,” he said.
“The discounted flight and accommodation packages will be critical in getting travellers back during what is traditionally our domestic low season.”
Mr Olsen said the business and infrastructure support would provide relief for businesses, especially those whose cash flow had been impacted since December 10, when preparations for Cyclone Jasper got underway.
He said the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry was grateful to the State Government for the speed in delivering this essential support.
In addition, Tourism and Events Queensland is set to roll out a marketing and media campaign showcasing Cairns and the wider region from 27 December 2023, complemented by discounted flight and accommodation packages available from 2 January 2024.
Business support will focus on tourism businesses not eligible for the existing Small Business Grants and minor infrastructure repairs.
A dedicated Tourism Response Officer will also be placed with regional tourism organisation, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, for a minimum of three months.
Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Patricia O’Callaghan said the industry wanted to see as many people as possible returning and discovering the region.
“Cairns is one of our true tourism gems … a region like no other place on earth,” she said.
“Over the coming days and weeks, we will be turbo-charging our domestic marketing activity to well-and-truly highlight that Cairns is open for business and tourism operators are ready to give you the experience of a lifetime.”
Ms O’Callaghan said the deals, combining great airfares and excellent accommodation, would give travellers added incentive to visit the north, to see the Great Barrier Reef and marvel at the rainforests.