North Qld offers insane deals to lure people back to the region

Free accommodation, food and beverage credits and discounts are being offered by North Queensland tourism operators to lure holiday-makers back in the wake of Cyclone Jasper. Here are some of the best.

Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Supplied

Free accommodation deals, $200 food and beverage credits and discounts of up to 30 per cent are being offered by North Queensland tourism operators as part of a campaign to lure holiday-makers back in the wake of Cyclone Jasper.

The campaign has been launched by Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with operators left reeling from tens of millions of dollars in cancellations.

Tourism businesses hundreds of kilometres south of the cyclone impact zone have also been hit as geography-challenged southerners cancel bookings.

Despite record flooding after Jasper crossed the coast north of Cairns last week, about 85 per cent of the region’s tourism businesses remain open and operators are pleading for visitors to help keep them afloat while enjoying a tropical holiday.

Skydiving over Cairns is an amazing experience.

Deals including a free night’s accommodation at Mariners North Apartments in Townsville and NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, a $200 food and beverage credit at Daydream Island Resort and 30 per cent discounts at Mantra Esplanade hotel in Cairns are being offered by operators to entice holiday-makers.

Great Barrier Reef tourism operators are also offering discounts of as much as $50 for tours and attractions.

There are amazing deals on reef trips in Cairns.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said the impacts of the flooding were isolated and most of North Queensland remained open for business.

“We are urging the public and the travel industry to support us during this challenging time,” he said.

“Taking your family on a northern escape will help our region by supporting the jobs of the one in five people who work in the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland.”

Mr Olsen said North Queensland holiday makers with January bookings should check with their accommodation but nearly all properties were ready to welcome guests.

Reef Magic Marine Biologist Zoe Carnahan (left) and cruise attendant Paris Fellows (right) tell UK brother and sister tourists Stanley and Olivier Mather the finer points of snorkelling for their day on the Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Brian Cassey

“Sadly, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation will take longer to open to visitors and our hearts go out to the operators there,” he said.

“However, south of the Daintree River we are in full swing with more than 85 per cent of Tropical North Queensland’s experiences back in operation and the restaurants and bars open.

“Summer in the tropics is about chasing waterfalls, visiting the Great Barrier Reef when the winds are at their lightest and enjoying tropical produce at its best.

Reef Magic Marine Biologists Tamila Heath (right) and Georgia Blackler (2nd from right) greet the Lauenger family from Florida. Picture: Brian Cassey

“Tourism is the lifeblood of our community and we look forward to welcoming you as soon as possible.”

TEQ chief executive Patricia O’Callaghan said North Queensland was well-prepared for natural disasters “and the fact that so many great offers are available so quickly after the floods is testament to the resilience on show across the region”.

“There truly is something for everyone in Cairns – whether its white-water rafting, exploring the ancient rainforest, eating at renowned restaurants, relaxing in five-star luxury, or immersing yourself in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” she said.

“Tourism operators across Cairns are ready to welcome you and give you the experience of a lifetime, so we want as many Australians as possible to snap up one of these great deals, get to Far North Queensland, and have an amazing time.”