More free holiday dollars for Queensland travel

Queenslanders have just three days to apply for free Brisbane holiday money, following the launch of another multimillion-dollar tourism promotion. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Queenslanders have three days to apply for free Brisbane holiday money with the launch of another multimillion-dollar tourism promotion.

Following on from the hugely-successful far north Queensland Holiday Dollars scheme last month, the State government and Brisbane Marketing have combined to offer 30,000 $100 vouchers to be used for vacations in the River City.

And unlike the north Queensland promotion, which saw more than 100,000 people apply for 15,000 tourism “experiences”, the latest scheme has been widened to include hotels and resorts in a potential gold rush for Brisbane’s accommodation sector.

Queenslanders can apply for one of the vouchers from midday Tuesday, with the window closing 72 hours later.

Recent data from Tourism Research Australia revealed the Queensland tourism sector had so far copped a $13 billion blow from the coronavirus pandemic, but the state has weathered the storm better than main rivals NSW and Victoria.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the promotions were the result of a collaboration between the State Government, Brisbane City Council and Tourism Whitsundays.

“This will pump millions of dollars back into our economy and help tourism operators doing it tough,” she said.

“We’ve seen how successful this program has been in Cairns – supporting local businesses and local jobs at a time the industry needs it most.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Brisbane’s $3 million expansion of the Holiday Dollars program would benefit hundreds of tourism operators in the Brisbane region.

“Brisbane has been one of the hardest hit from the loss of international visitors, so extending this program will be a significant support to the region’s tourism industry,” he said.

“This could generate more than $19 million in visitor spend in the region’s tourism industry.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the state capital continued to evolve with a wave of new tourism infrastructure and offerings including stunning hotels and world-class experiences.

The Cairns travel voucher promotion announced last month saw more than 100,000 people apply for 15,000 vouchers worth up to $200.

Interest was so intense it overwhelmed the promotion’s website just minutes after launching.

Queenslanders can apply for Brisbane holiday vouchers at www.queensland.com/brisbaneholidaydollars

Another initiative, promoting holidays Whitsundays with 6000 vouchers

worth up to $200, will be launched on May 4.