TRAVEL VOUCHERS FOR QUEENSLANDERS TO DISCOVER CAIRNS & GREAT BARRIER REEF

Queenslanders will have access to 15,000 travel vouchers to spend on tourism experiences in Tropical North Queensland as part of a Queensland Government strategy to kickstart the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region’s visitor economy.

Member for Nicklin, Robert Skelton MP said the ‘Cairns Holiday Dollars’ campaign would see vouchers worth $200 each provided to Queenslanders to spend in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.

“This is the first time in Queensland’s history that a government has offered vouchers to support the tourism industry,” he said.

“The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region has done it tough over the last 12 months, being one of the first regions to suffer the impacts of COVID-19 as international travel came to a halt.

“This is a great opportunity for Sunshine Coast families to apply for a voucher and enjoy a getaway in Queensland. Locals can get on board and plan their Cairns & Great Barrier Reef holiday at Queensland.com.

“There’s some great deals available for Queenslanders to see this amazing region – from the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, to ancient rainforest and world-renowned Indigenous experiences – so get planning.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Cairns Holiday Dollars vouchers would give Queenslanders the chance to book tourism experiences for 50 percent off, up to $200 (inc. GST).

“The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region has always been a popular getaway destination for international visitors,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Local tourism businesses have been hit hard by the global pandemic and the closure of the international border.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s travel vouchers are the perfect excuse for Queenslanders to pack a bag and discover why the Far North has an impeccable international visitor reputation.

“By spoiling yourself with an unforgettable Cairns tropical holiday and getting out and about to experience everything the region has to offer, you’ll be supporting jobs and helping Queensland tourism build back better.

“Supporting Queenslanders is what Queenslanders do.

“Which is why I’m saying today that if this is a success, we will consider providing tourism vouchers for other parts of Queensland in coming months.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said rebuilding the tourism industry was an important part of the government’s economic recovery plan for Tropical North Queensland.

“As a local I know first-hand how tough this pandemic has been on local tourism operators and how hard it has been to capture the domestic market and get them travelling like international visitors normally would around our region.

“This campaign is all about getting visitors out and exploring and experiencing what we have on offer here – and in doing so, hopefully staying longer and spreading that economic benefit further.

“This strategy will pump millions of dollars into local businesses which is exactly what we need right now. And we know that once people get a taste of Tropical North Queensland, they can’t get enough, meaning this campaign will help us grow our domestic visitor base long into the future.”

Queenslanders can enter the draw to receive a voucher from 8 – 11 March 2021, with successful recipients advised and able to book tourism experiences with their voucher from 15 March – 25 June 2021.

Special deals will be on offer for voucher holders including tourism experiences such as trips to the Great Barrier Reef, guided tours around the region, adventure experiences like bungy jumping, day spa experiences, scenic flights and entry to wildlife parks, zoos and aquariums.

The vouchers can be used throughout Cairns & Great Barrier Reef including Mission Beach, Port Douglas, the Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown and the Torres Strait