Easter tourism boost is likely

EASTER is shaping up to be what the Far North’s struggling tourism industry desperately needs.

There is no doubt the sector is doing it tough, with the knock-on effects of the coronavirus drying up Chinese tourism and airlines cancelling some vital flights to the region.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland is working with key stakeholders using millions of dollars in local, state and federal government funding on marketing campaigns to tell other important sources of visitors, especially the UK, Europe, other Asian countries and North America, that the region is open for business.

Not being overlooked are fellow Australians who are being urged to holiday at home, instead of overseas, and head to the Far North for a tropical Easter when it is starting to get a bit chilly down south.

One airline, Jetstar, is offering packages to Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas, including airfares and two nights’ accommodation per person, from $340.

Far North success story, Big4 Ingenia Cairns Coconut Resort, is almost full for Easter and bookings for April onwards are strong into the traditional peak tourism season.

Their success can only rub off on to other parts of the region’s leisure market.

A boost in domestic tourism now will tide businesses over until the overseas marketing kicks in because of the longer lead times required.

Residents of the Far North are encouraged to invite their family and friends in southern states to make the trek north as well.

The region’s tourism community, as always, is resilient and optimistic despite the tough times.

Nick Dalton

Deputy editor