The race is on to cash in your share of $1.2m in ‘Holiday Dollars’ to explore the Whitsundays

The vouchers will expire on June 30 or once the quota is reached, whichever comes first.

Whitsundays tourism operators including the team at OzSail have welcomed the launch of the Holiday Dollars travel voucher scheme. Picture: Tourism Whitsundays.

Local tourism operators have been “flat out” today responding to Queenslanders eager to explore their own backyard with help from a new government travel subsidy.

The Queensland government’s ‘Holiday Dollars’ scheme launched in the Whitsundays today, inviting eligible Queensland residents to share in 6000 x $200 vouchers to spend on tourism experiences in the region.

Mary Gallagher, a sales assistant at Bowen’s Big Mango and Visitor Information Centre said by lunchtime today, she had personally responded to more than 30 email and phone inquiries and 20 in-person inquiries about the scheme, and had already processed several bookings from people redeeming the vouchers.

Bundles incorporating multiple activities such as scenic flights and boat trips had proven popular, as had a range of day trips, Ms Gallagher said.

“We’ve been so busy today; we’ve had loads of people asking how to get the vouchers, and we’ve been able to point them in the right direction and have a chat about how they can use them.

“It’s like a ‘matchmaking’ exercise for us – finding the perfect experience for each person,” she said.

Anyone looking to take advantage of the scheme is urged to get in quick before the allocation of vouchers is exhausted.

And once you have your voucher, be sure to redeem it in a timely fashion.

“It’s first in, best dressed – there’s only a certain amount of money available – so [if you get a voucher] I wouldn’t sit on it for weeks,” Ms Gallagher said.

Sales assistant Mary Gallagher at Bowen's visitor information centre has been inundated with inquiries on the first day of the scheme. Picture: Kirra Grimes.

Ocean Rafting Principal Jan Claxton said tourism operators facing the quietest few months of the year ahead welcomed the Holiday Dollars.

“It will help fill the trough in bookings between the school holiday periods, our biggest challenge in 2021 and will allow tours and activities to survive until we have international travellers again,” Ms Claxton said.

Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association President Tony Brown said operators in the Whitsundays were excited to show off the jewel of the Great Barrier Reef.

“This year has been tougher even than last year, so the timing could not be better,” Mr Brown said.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler said interest since the scheme’s announcement last month had been “phenomenal”.

“The website has received over 14,000 visitors in unique hits and our team are standing by, ready to begin issuing vouchers,” Ms Wheeler said.

“We have had an overwhelming response from our operators, with over 30 businesses registering to participate in the scheme.

“From snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef to enjoying time on Whitehaven Beach, to exploring the Conway National Park by Segway, croc spotting or fishing, there really is an experience for everyone.”

The Whitsundays Holiday Dollars vouchers will be valid for up to $200 (inc. GST) each, to a total of $1.2 million, accessible to Queensland residents more than 18 years of age to enjoy tourism experiences in the Whitsundays.

The campaign will run from May 4 to June 30, 2021.

The vouchers can be used to claim 50 per cent off any eligible tourism experience booked, up to a maximum of $200.00 (inc. GST).

For all the FAQs and to claim a voucher, head to the Tourism Whitsundays website.