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Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is hoping discount flights and accommodation funded by the Queensland government will also be on offer for the Glitter Strip following the devastating storms as the tourist city starts its mammoth clean-up.
The request comes after Premier Steven Miles said discounts on flights and accommodation would be offered to Aussies in a desperate attempt to get the tourism industry pumping again in Far North Queensland following the devastating floods.
Mr Miles said he was hoping the discounts would encourage people back to the area, which is in surprisingly good condition following the floods.
“We really need to get the message out to Australia and the world that Cairns and Far North Queensland is open for business,” he said.
“Here in Cairns, you wouldn’t really know the cyclone had hit.”
Mr Miles said now was the perfect time to see what the area had to offer.
“Cairns and the state’s far north is a global tourism icon, people come here to experience the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree and Skyrail,” he said
“This is a chance for Australians to see all those things and at the same time support small businesses.”
A funding agreement has been made between the state and federal governments, as well as Jetstar and Qantas, for $5m to discount one-way flights to Cairns from around Australia.
Mr Tate said the Gold Coast would use campaigns and advertising to promote tourism but hoped the government would offer the same discount deal it gave Far North Queensland.
“I noticed the Premier talking about discount flights to Cairns, I think it’s a fantastic idea,” Mr Tate said.
“Once we sort this out maybe in a month or so I’ll be tapping him on the shoulder to do discount flights to the Gold Coast as well to get more people coming to our city.
“I think it’s a great idea to do that. It will entice Queenslanders to go to Far North Queensland.
“I was going to go up there until I saw it was going to be windy so I cancelled. This will give me the opportunity (to go) after the council elections (in March).”
Mr Tate said the Glitter Strip managed to do reasonably well over the festive season despite the storms and all theme parks being shut down due to wild weather.
“It’s meant to be their best week and fortunately the coastal strip was able to do 80 per cent of their income which is not so bad,” he said.
“The theme parks had to be closed during the biggest time of the year, they’re recovering now because the people are actually coming back.
Tourism Minister Michael Healy said the tourism industry was the driving force in the area that is filled with resorts and hotels and the discounts should help people flock back to the area.
“Tourism is one of the key pillars in our far north economy,’’ he said.
“This $5m tourism package has been designed with the tourism industry. It is an immediate step on the road to recovery.
“We are an iconic domestic and international destination with some of the most unique natural attractions on the planet.
“These discounted packages will assist holidaymakers to come to Cairns and enjoy an amazing and affordable world-class tourism experience.”
Tourism Tropical Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen highlighted just how badly the industry was hurting following the cyclone and ensuing floods.
“The Tropical North Queensland tourism industry has been hit hard by holiday cancellations since early December, losing close to $300m in bookings,” he said.
Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Patricia O’Callaghan said a tourist bump was exactly what FNQ businesses needed and they were ready and waiting.
“These are really strong price points which will encourage Australians to jump on a plane and take a holiday in Far North Queensland,” she said.
“Whether it be enjoying a tropical oasis, relaxing poolside or experiencing a great adventure, from snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to marvelling at ancient rainforest, exploring the local markets and dining at world-class restaurants.
“Cairns operators are ready to welcome you.”
Qantas and Jetstar launched the sale on Friday morning, with flights to Cairns from as little as $79 starting in mid-January until March.
Qantas chief executive Catriona Larritt said the company was happy to do what it could to help the disaster-hit area get back on its feet.
“Tropical North Queensland communities and businesses have faced incredibly challenging circumstances during this holiday period,” she said.
“These special airfares will help boost the region’s recovery and rally Australians to visit North Queensland in the coming weeks and months.
“These heavily discounted fares offer great value for money, with customers able to lock in a last-minute getaway before the summer school holidays end.”
The discounts go on sale on Friday, with Qantas offering flights to Proserpine, Cairns, Mackay, Townsville and Hamilton Island, while Jetstar flights are only available to Cairns.
The sale is for a short time only or until sold out.
Qantas one-way Economy domestic sale fares include:
- Brisbane – Proserpine $99
- Brisbane – Mackay $109
- Brisbane – Cairns $129
- Sydney – Cairns $149
- Brisbane – Townsville $159
- Sydney – Townsville $159
- Melbourne – Townsville $179
- Bundaberg – Mackay $179
- Melbourne – Cairns $199
- Albury – Cairns $199
- Adelaide – Hamilton Island $239
- Adelaide – Cairns $269
Jetstar one-way Economy domestic sale fares include:
- Brisbane – Cairns $79
- Gold Coast – Cairns $79
- Sydney – Cairns $109
- Melbourne – Cairns $119
- Darwin – Cairns $135
- Adelaide – Cairns $139
- Perth – Cairns $149
Deals on accommodation and packages can be found at the Tropical North Queensland website.
A Tourism Recovery Officer is also set to be placed with Tourism Tropical North Queensland to help with the initiative, and a business support program will also get underway in January.
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