Member for Cairns Michael Healy has today announced an extra $1 million to promote Tropical North Queensland to domestic visitors.
Mr Healy said the government would support a dedicated domestic marketing campaign via Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), in partnership with Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ).
"Tropical North Queenslanders have had a difficult time over the last 12 months," he said.
"Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy. That's why we're investing in new campaign to attract more visitors to the region.
"This campaign will focus on key domestic markets south of the border. Temperatures are plummeting in Sydney and Melbourne but the sun is shining bright in Tropical North Queensland – now's the best time to book a holiday up north."
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said today's announcement was a direct result of a tourism leaders roundtable held by Cairns MP Michael Healy and industry representatives in March.
"Michael Healy has been lobbying me since March for more funding for marketing," she said.
"At my request, Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia have continued to engage with local operators on new marketing initiatives to boost numbers to Cairns.
"Today we're announcing an extra $500,000 from the State Government which will be matched by Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
"That means we have an extra $1 million to blitz the domestic market this winter."
Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government was investing more in tourism than any other government in the state's history.
"Tourism is of vital importance to Tropical North Queensland, supporting more than 25,000 jobs and contributing $2.8 billion to the region's economy," she said.
"The funding announced today is on top of our recently announced $1 million campaign for the Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns in the wake of the monsoon.
"This is a testament to our commitment to grow this tourism industry."
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning said council was committed to funding tourism destination marketing for the region.
"We've been working closely with Minister Kate Jones, TEQ, TTNQ and industry on how council can continue to support our tourism industry, which is a critical pillar for our region" Cr Manning said.
"We support the promotion of our very unique and special part of the world both domestically and internationally, and look forward to continuing to collaborate with TEQ and TTNQ."
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Pip Close said work would start immediately on a marketing plan targeting high-value travellers through consumer and trade campaigns.
"TTNQ will work in partnership with TEQ on campaigns to stimulate the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane markets and drive visitation to Tropical North Queensland."
