Gold Coast holiday fun discounted by 50 per cent as part of Great Qld Getaway

Gold Coasters can jag a holiday at home – on the cheap – under a huge new campaign that discounts flights, bus passes and attractions. See what’s on offer.

THE state government will on Thursday announce a new $8m tourism campaign offering discounts on flights and accommodation.

The Great Queensland Getaway tourism package is on the back of an announcement by Virgin Australia on three new flights to the Coast providing an estimated $54m boost to the state’s tourism industry.

You're never too old for the Tailspin. Picture: Glenn Hampson

On sale at Queensland.com from Sunday, there will be up to 50 per cent off tourism experiences, plus cheap flights and Queensland bus passes.

The new campaign will offer promo codes for up to 50 per cent off tourism experiences to a maximum of $100 in the South East, Central and Western Queensland or $200 in North Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told the Bulletin it was time now to book a Great Queensland Getaway.

“I’ve seen first-hand the significant impact the pandemic has had on tourism businesses right throughout the state,” she said.

“We’re working hard to find new ways to support tourism businesses to make it through these challenging times. This campaign will entice thousands of Queenslanders to get out and explore their own state.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“There’s never been a better excuse to book a Queensland holiday.”

Gaven MP and Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon encouraged Queenslanders to discover why the Coast was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and throw their support behind local business.

“From our national parks and beaches to our major theme parks and world-class restaurants and cafes, the Gold Coast has it all,” she said.

“With the average domestic tourist spending more than $2500 per trip, you’ll also be helping support local jobs as we navigate through the impacts of Covid-19.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the state government had provided about $1bn in support for the state’s tourism recovery.

“Queenslanders have supported each other right throughout Covid-19,” he said.

“We want to reward them for their hard work in responding to restrictions and getting vaccinated, while providing more strong support for our local tourism industry.

“There’s two weeks to book – unless these deals sell out sooner – so get in quick.

“The Great Queensland Getaway aims to keep up that excitement about Queensland holidays and give a direct boost to tourism operators all around the state.

“The industry continue to tell us tourism experiences – tours and attractions – continue to do it the hardest with the loss of international visitors.”

Surfers Paradise beach in lockdown during August. Picture: Richard Gosling.

Mr Hinchliffe said the state government had created a campaign to get Queenslanders driving around the state, after listening to tourism operators.

“We saw our recent Holiday Dollars program generate 40,000 bookings for tourism businesses when they really needed it, returning around $2.60 for every $1 of program investment,” he said.

“This campaign is the next extension of that concept, offering up incentives throughout all parts of the state, with support from partners to incentivise travel and accommodation.”

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