‘Mates Rates’ North Queensland tourism promotion sold out: TEL

A Townsville tourism operator is hailing the success of the government’s ‘Mates Rates’ campaign after it sold out in just three days.

The ‘Mates Rates’ campaign, which offered 50 per cent off tourism experiences, was launched to help drive visitors to Townsville tourism businesses struggling from cancellations and low forward bookings following the impacts of recent weather events. Picture: Supplied

A Townsville tourism operator is hailing the success of the government’s ‘Mates Rates’ campaign after it sold out in just three days.

The ‘Mates Rates’ campaign, which offered 50 per cent off tourism experiences, was launched to help lure visitors to Townsville tourism businesses struggling in the wake of recent weather events.

“After enduring weeks with only one or two bookings per week, the campaign has given us a much-needed boost,” Pilgrim Magnetic Island charter owner Clare Ley said.

“Within just three days, we’ve experienced daily booking rates that in recent times have taken a fortnight to materialise.

The program is an initiative of Tourism and Events Queensland and Townsville Enterprise Limited.

Pilgrim Magnetic Island owner Clare Ley said the bookings from the government’s ‘Mates Rates’ campaign had provided the charter operator with a solid foundation to keep operations running smoothly. Picture: Supplied

TEL CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said she was “blown away at the mateship shown through this campaign”, which sold out in under 72 hours.

“We know our community will continue support local, and this has never been more important as we gear up for one of the biggest years of events this region has ever seen,” she said.

“There is no better staycation than in North Queensland.”

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith at the launch for the 'Mates Rates' campaign that aimed to help support Townsville tourism providers. Picture: Shae Beplate

Townsville MP Scott Stewart thanked residents for supporting local businesses, saying the “fast sell-out is an excellent outcome for businesses across the region”.

“With several severe weather events hitting North Queensland recently, we heard from local businesses loud and clear that they needed our support to bring visitors in the immediate short term and we have acted on that swiftly,” he said.

“It is great that we’ve been able to set up a flow of visitors for the region to help businesses through to the next school-holiday period and beyond.”

Mundingburra MP Les Walker at the launch for the 'Mates Rates' campaign. Picture: Shae Beplate

Mundingburra MP Les Walker said the promotion gave locals a “chance to take a break on a budget during this cost-of-living crisis”.

“It’s wonderful to see such quick and solid support for our region and tourism industry when we’ve really needed it.”

Tourism Minister Michael Healy said the campaign was a “win for both businesses as well as locals”.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the promotion was one of a number of marketing activities underway for Townsville, including over the busy Easter holidays.

“Locals who missed out can still go to Queensland.com and grab one of the more than 500 ‘Unmissable Deals’ available right around the state, with great airfares still available for another 24 hours through Virgin Australia and TEQ’s sale.”

Originally published as ‘Mates Rates’ North Queensland tourism promotion sold out: TEL