Mates rates: How Townsville locals can score 50% off hotels, tours
Townsville residents will be able to save precious dollars on weekend getaways and adventures with a new tourism deal launched today. DETAILS >>
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Townsville residents will be able to save precious dollars on weekend getaways and adventures with a new tourism deal launched today.
The State Government will today announce their ‘Mates Rates’ campaign to support the region’s tourism businesses after Tropical Cyclone Kirrily saw millions of dollars in cancellations.
Run through Tourism and Events Queensland and Townsville Enterprise, locals will receive 50 per cent off when they spend up to $350 on local tourism experiences, attractions, holiday packages and accommodation.
The campaign comes on top of this week’s announcement by Virgin Australia, who in partnership with TEQ, released more than 300,000 sale fares to Queensland destinations like Townsville, Cairns and Hamilton Island.
Townsville MP Scott Stewart put out the call for “locals to support locals”.
“Local tourism businesses are really doing it tough following the impacts of TC Kirrily and this is the boost they need to get through one of the traditionally slowest parts of the year,” he said.
“I heard first-hand from tourism operators on Magnetic Island earlier this month about the impacts of the recent weather events, so it’s exciting to be launching this campaign in response to their concerns.”
Mundingburra MP Les Walker said with the cost of living skyrocketing, this was a great opportunity for locals to take a break at half price.
“I’ve seen how quickly these weather events can change things for local tourism businesses and I’m proud at how quickly we’ve been able to provide support,” Mr Walker said.
“Locals are uniquely positioned to make a quick decision and lock in a bargain local trip – and we all know this can be an incredibly beautiful time of year to experience this region with flowing waterfalls, lush greenery and beautiful reef.
“Our support for Townsville and North Queensland is strong, with a number of different marketing initiatives under way.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said it was important to get the message out that North Queensland was welcoming visitors as usual.
“We’ve worked quickly to amp up campaigns to shine the spotlight on Townsville, the Whitsundays and Cairns and build confidence and desire to travel back again,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“More than one million people visited the Townsville region in the past year. Locals, make sure you get out and appreciate everything your hometown has to offer.”
And there’s so much to dip our toes into in our own backyards, Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith says.
“Whether it’s sailing around Magnetic Island, diving the Great Barrier Reef or enjoying a romantic meal by the beachside – with Mates Rates offering 50% off it all, there has never been a better time for locals to experience the best of Townsville North Queensland,” she said.
“Not only will you be having an exceptional experience, but you’ll be also supporting an industry that has been doing it tough over the last two months, with an estimated $24 million in cancellations and lost business.”
“As soon as it was safe to do so after Cyclone Kirrily our team was on the ground talking to local operators and hearing the impacts firsthand.”
She said it was from these industry insights and feedback the concept of Mates Rates was born.
“We are pleased to see it come to life today and thank Tourism and Events Queensland and the State Government for their support,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.
“Head to townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au to start planning your Mates Rates Staycation – but be quick this offer will sell out fast.
“Local businesses who would like to be involved are encouraged to contact Townsville Enterprise.”
Residents can use the special promo code ‘Mates50’ on any tourism experiences at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au to unlock the discount.
The promotion is on sale from today until March 29 unless sold out sooner, for travel from now until May 30 (excluding public holidays).
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Originally published as Mates rates: How Townsville locals can score 50% off hotels, tours
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