Queensland tourism industry anticipates Easter boost from Sydney visitors 

With the Greater Sydney COVID hotspot ending today, the Queensland tourism industry is anticipating strong bookings for Easter and the school holidays.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk notes “with Queensland open to all Australians again the focus is on getting people to explore and take a holiday in the Sunshine State.

“Opening the border to Greater Sydney could result in a $350 million tourism windfall alone. That’s what 370,000 Sydneysiders spent in 2019, visiting Queensland for Easter.”

Data released this week by Tourism Research Australia though revealed the devastating impact Coronavirus had on the tourism industry last Easter, with spending down more than 80% in Queensland.

Premier Palaszczuk advises “the coming pick-up in holiday makers is very welcome news. And it’s a great opportunity for families and friends to get together again.

“We know that regions largely reliant on tourism are continuing to do it tough, particularly with the international border still closed to overseas visitors.

“I want everyone to get out now and explore Queensland. If your family hasn’t been to the Great Barrier Reef, this year is the perfect opportunity. There’s just so much to do here.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive, Mark Olsen said of late his industry had been facing a crisis of confidence adding “Opening up again to New South Wales visitors will inject $1 million a day into our region. It’s a really good start.

“Those in Greater Sydney have been hitting our web page hard. Cairns is now the third most Googled destination in Australia. Here’s hoping that converts into holidays of a lifetime in Cairns and the far North.”

Premier Palaszczuk said with bookings firming up, visitors shouldn’t leave it too long to plan a Queensland getaway for Easter and the school holidays.

“With the help of Queenslanders and interstate visitors, we can help Queensland tourism to not only rebuild but to rebuild stronger.

“Still we must all keep doing the right thing to stay COVID-safe and not become complacent.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Rugby League match - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks versus North Queensland Cowboys at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday 3rd of April - could also attract visitors from NSW contribute to boosting tourism in Queensland over Easter Queensland Easter.

Minister Hinchliffe enthused “the Cowboys always bring a showdown to town, so there’s even more reason for Sydney footy fans to make Queensland their Easter destination.”

Image: Cairns is now the third most Googled destination in Australia. Image courtesy Tourism and Events Queensland