The Palaszczuk Government will deliver 30,000 tourism vouchers to entice visitors to head to the Gold Coast as part of the next stage of Queensland's successful Holiday Dollars program.
The Holiday Dollars initiative is part of the Palaszczuk Government's economic recovery plan and is designed to support tourism businesses to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government had partnered with Destination Gold Coast to deliver 30,000 vouchers worth $100 to be redeemed on the Coast.
The Premier said Queenslanders had 72 hours to enter the draw starting at midday on Monday 7 June 2021.
"Today's announcement will give Queenslanders an even greater incentive to head to the Gold Coast for a holiday," the Premier said.
"Tourism operators on the Coast have been hit hard by the pandemic.
"Campaigns like this are an important part of our economic recovery plan - supporting local jobs and injecting funds back into Gold Coast businesses."
The Premier encouraged Queenslanders to get online and book holidays.
"With whale watching season about to start, now is an ideal time to book a whale watching tour and see these beautiful animals in the flesh," the Premier said.
"From world class beaches to the beautiful hinterland, our theme parks and renowned shopping and nightlife precincts – the Gold Coast has something for everyone.
"Jump in the car for a trip or fly down for a weekend or week-long stay. All Queenslanders are eligible so get online and apply for a tourism voucher."
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Gold Coast Holiday Dollars would help tourism operators bridge the dip in the traditional visitor cycle.
"The Palaszczuk Government has worked closely with the local tourism industry to deliver a Holiday Dollars campaign that works for operators," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"In other regions where we've piloted Holiday Dollars the feedback from tourism operators and visitors is positive.
"We're also expecting a big boost in visitor confidence on the Gold Coast because that's been the experience where Holiday Dollars have been rolled out.
"Not only is the Gold Coast one of Australia's favourite holiday destinations, it was also on the bucket list of 1.1 million overseas visitors before the pandemic shut the international border.
"We know the loss of overseas visitors continues to be felt on the Gold Coast.
"That's why the Holiday Dollars initiative is designed to encourage Queenslanders to indulge in a world-class Gold Coast visitor experience and support local operators when they really need it.
"Now is the time to start planning your Gold Coast holiday.
"Our highly successful Good to Go campaign has already put $5 billion into the pockets of Queensland tourism operators.
"Good to Go continues to air interstate and in New Zealand to inspire travellers to book their next Gold Coast break."
Minister for the Environment, Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Youth Affairs and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the Gold Coast Holiday Dollars initiative was a great incentive for families.
"No matter what time of year, there are always great visitor experiences on the Gold Coast to discover," Ms Scanlon said.
"The Palaszczuk Government's Holiday Dollars initiative comes at just the right time for both tourism operators and families preparing for a school holiday getaway.
"For Queensland families across our big state, Holiday Dollars makes the Gold Coast the perfect school holiday destination with something for everyone."
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O'Callaghan said the Gold Coast Holiday Dollars program is well timed to encourage Queenslanders to 'come and play' in Australia's undisputed holiday playground.
"Previous iterations of the program have been a success and we are hoping Queenslanders will get behind Gold Coast tourism operators - the backbone of our chief economic sector this winter," said Ms O'Callaghan.
"This initiative will provide to a much-needed boost to operators especially those that are heavily reliant on international visitors. Stimulating domestic visitor demand and expenditure for our 4,600 tourism businesses is a priority.
"From golden beaches to rainforest hinterland, theme parks and plethora of memorable experiences and attractions, now is the time to reconnect and relax with loved ones and friends in the Gold Coast."
