Where price is just right TROPICAL TRIP IS WORTH IT
TOWNSVILLE has been ranked as one of the most affordable holiday destinations for Queenslanders according to new data released by travel website Expedia.
At an average daily rate of $155 per room, Townsville is on par with Brisbane accommodation prices and $20 cheaper than closest rival Cairns.
Staying at the Whitsundays will set you back on average $225 per night.
Topping the list is the Sunshine Coast, with an average rate of $240 per night, in data compiled from the top searched destinations for August and September.
Aquarius On the Beach general manager Rick Dart said it was easy to track competition with the transparency of price comparison and booking websites.
“I’m a little bit surprised actually because we’re probably one of the bigger destinations for Queensland, and we are experiencing a lot of statewide travel by people from regional areas,” he said.
Queenslanders are being encouraged to travel within the state as borders remain closed to non-essential travel.
A search on booking.com shows similar results, with “top picks” in Townsville for this weekend offering rooms at The Oaks Metropole for $143, Allure Hotel and apartments for $126 and Grand Hotel and Apartments for $119.
Mr Dart said Townsville was starting to emerge as a stronger competitor to Cairns, however there was further room for growth.
“Some of the interesting things they’re doing with the underwater reef developments, that’s really going to help,” he said. “Being on the Strand … all the rooms look out over the ocean, you can actually get out and enjoy the sea breeze with all the balconies, you can see what’s going on.
“There’s opportunity at the moment.”
Townsville Enterprise Limited said the data was encouraging and reflected an “ongoing appetite” for travel, with Townsville presenting an affordable destination offering world-class experiences.