Queensland tourism operators primed for record long weekend
It’s one of Australia’s greatest traditions – and it is set to deliver a massive windfall for Queensland tourism.
QLD News
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Queensland’s love of a long weekend is set to deliver a $500 million bonanza for the state’s tourism industry.
As more than three million Queenslanders prepare for a long weekend generated by a shift in the traditional Ekka and Gold Coast Show holidays, some tourism operators are reporting their busiest weekends ever.
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From whale watching tours at Hervey Bay to weekends away at Tangalooma, Queenslanders are preparing to flock across the state en masse, with bookings for some destinations on travel giant Wotif up by more than 100 per cent on the same time last year.
It was initially hoped the long weekend could generate up to $1 billion for the state’s tourism industry, but the ban on NSW and Victorian visitors has effectively halved the number of travellers.
Nonetheless, it is a phenomenal result for an industry that has been crippled by the coronavirus pandemic, with the long weekend applying to 11 local government regions across the state.
Some operators are reporting their strongest-ever bookings with many regions and tourist towns – particularly in the southeast, completely booked out.
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The Granite Belt has been experiencing its best winter season in years, with many places booked out every night for weeks.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind said it was a long-overdue piece of good news for operators reeling from the most challenging of circumstances.
“The bookings we are seeing are extraordinary,” he said.
“It’s nice to see a bit of sunshine after all the doom and gloom and we’re ready to get out there and enjoy it.”
Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said figures on the travel website showed Queenslanders had responded to the long weekend in spectacular fashion.
“It’s fantastic to see Queenslanders are making the most of the newly-created people’s long weekend and embracing a local adventure, that not only provides them with a well-deserved break but also supports the state’s tourism industry, at a time when they need it most,” he said.
“(The data) is suggesting that the long weekend is providing the intended boost many tourism operators were hopeful for.”
Moreton Bay islands are also reaping the benefits, with Tangalooma selling every available room – or 75 per cent of the property to comply with COVID-safe practices.
Tangalooma marketing manager Bernie O’Keefe, who was vocal in calling for the creation of the show long weekend, said the strong bookings were a heartwarming sign for the tourism industry.
“At a time when interstate and international guests are unable to visit, it has become an incredible shot in the arm for us all to successfully encourage Queenslanders to get out and explore what they have in their own backyard,” he said.
North Stradbroke Island, or Minjerribah, is also reporting a rush of winter weekend visitors with some properties sold out for the show holiday period.
It’s not just the southeast forecasting a bumper weekend.
According to Wotif booking data, Port Douglas is experiencing a 180 per cent surge while the Whitsundays are up 80 per cent.
