$2 is all you need

QUEENSLAND tourists are desperate to reconnect with the outdoors and discover new holiday experiences that make the most of the state’s natural beauty.

New Tourism and Events Queensland traveller behaviour data shows holiday-makers want to explore more of the Sunshine State through walking and hiking tours and by visiting natural sites.

TEQ chief executive Leanne Coddington said operators were responding to the shifting trend.

“Holidays are becoming more about taking time out to reconnect with nature and each other, and at TEQ we partner with industry to both showcase Queensland as a safe destination and profile the incredible range of visitor experiences we offer,” she said.

“Experiencing nature, in particular, walking, hiking and visiting natural sites, and dining out and experiencing local produce rates highly in our latest consumer sentiment research.”

Cedar Creek Lodges at Tamborine Mountain has responded to the demand by recently opening new glamping tents with an ensuite that allows visitors to shower under the stars.

News Corp’s Queensland mastheads will showcase 30 of the state’s best new tourism experiences, including nature and wildlife experiences, in a special 12-page holiday guide on Friday. Hot new deals and discounts will also be revealed in the guide by tourism operators eager to entice Queenslanders to holiday at home.

As part of TEQ’S popular 20 Days of Holidays Like This campaign, 200 general admission tickets to Australia Zoo for $2 each will go on sale at 9am on Thursday.