Queensland to stage Australia Day II

Australians will be encouraged to show their support for Queensland tourism by celebrating 'Australia Day II' across the State on Saturday 23rd February.
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said an advertising campaign would be launched this weekend which celebrates the Queensland spirit and urges Australians to show their support and holiday in the State.
Minister Stuckey explained "many Queenslanders didn't have the opportunity to celebrate Australia Day in true Aussie style over the 26th January long weekend.
"The bulk of Queensland tourism destinations are now open for business and ready to welcome visitors following the recent wet weather incidents.
"Many holiday destinations were untouched and while others are on the road to recovery, this campaign reinforces that the best way you can support the industry is by taking a holiday in Queensland.
"The face of the 'Australia Day II' campaign will be Sam Kekovich, one of the best known Australia Day figures over recent years due to his animated promotion of our national day."
Minister Stuckey said the initiative would be the first step of the Government's tourism recovery strategy for flood affected areas, adding "we want to ensure the green shoots of growth we are seeing throughout the tourism industry continue.
"It is about calling on Australians to make plans to visit as soon as they can, and will also be an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of all emergency services and other volunteers at a time when it was most needed."
The Australia Day II message will roll out in print, online, TV and radio across the country in coming weeks.
Minister Stuckey concluded "as the weather eases and the clean-up gets underway Australians can assist by converging on Queensland when it's back to its best.
"Tourism is one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy and the Government is committed to doing all it can to support the industry."

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