Far North Queensland tourism hopes for boost with discounted flights and accommodation deals

Aiming to reboot Far North Queensland tourism in the wake of the recent cyclone and flooding weather events, the Queensland Government hopes to attract tourists back to the state’s north with discounted flights and accommodation.

Queensland tourism operators were significantly impacted by the severe weather and cancellations during a time of the year which is usually their most lucrative.

In a $5 million funding agreement between the state and federal government, Qantas and Jetstar are offering discount one-way flights to Cairns from "most parts of Australia" until the end of March.

The state government said discounted accommodation packages would also be made available in coming weeks.

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Patricia O'Callaghan noted the scheme was "exactly what our operators need" adding "these are really strong price points which will encourage Australians to jump on a plane a take a holiday in Far North Queensland.”

QLD Premier Steven Miles shared "we really need to get the message out to Australia and the world that Cairns and Far North Queensland is open for business.

"Here in Cairns, you wouldn’t really know the cyclone had hit."

The Premier hopes discounted flights and accommodation offers would help businesses recoup lost costs, after footage of the December floods went "viral" resulting in millions of dollars worth of cancellations.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief EXecutive Mark Olsen advised “The Tropical North Queensland tourism industry has been hit hard by holiday cancellations since early December, losing close to $300 million in bookings.

“This initiative will give the region a real shot in the arm as we need visitors now more than ever having missed out on what is traditionally a peak time for visitors over the Christmas and New Year period.

“It is ideal to visit at this time of year as summer brings outstanding visibility to the Great Barrier Reef and our rainforest tours are showcasing waterfalls at their best.

“While the iconic Great Barrier Reef Drive is under repair you can take a return trip from Cairns to Port Douglas by boat for just $50 and see the stunning mountains covered in Wet Tropics rainforest from the Coral Sea.”

Qantas Chief Customer Officer Catriona Larritt added “Tropical North Queensland communities and businesses have faced incredibly challenging circumstances during this holiday period, when tourism operators are usually at their busiest.

“These special airfares will help boost the region’s recovery and rally Australians to visit North Queensland in the coming weeks and months.

“These heavily discounted fares offer great value for money, with customers able to lock in a last-minute getaway before the summer school holidays end.”

Image. Cairns Esplanade