Townsville City Council is working to make life simpler for tourists at its six free campsites in the northern beaches.
Division 1 Councillor Margie Ryder said Council was investigating setting up an online booking system to streamline the process and encourage more visitors to the area.
"Improved access to campsites will bring more money into the city," Cr Ryder said
"We are looking at using a similar online booking program to what we have for camping at Lake Paluma and boating on Ross River.
"Potential campers will be able to book permits on user-friendly websites that include the latest information on all sites."
Planning and Development Committee Chair Les Walker said the Council operated campsites attracted 5000 visitors and injected over $500,000 into the economy in 2014.
"Social media has lured more people to our region and there's been a surge in demand for no-cost and low-cost camping areas," Cr Walker said.
"The potential benefit to the economy could be even bigger in 2019 – particularly with the growth in social media such as Instagram.
"With Magnetic Island recently voted the most Instagrammable location in Australia we want to show off even more of our glorious region."
Cr Walker said the new booking system could have long-term benefits.
"A simpler, faster process will make a tourist's trip to Townsville an enjoyable experience from the outset," Cr Walker said.
"The online booking system means people can enjoy their drive to Townsville, knowing they have a campsite reserved for the night."
