- Multiple regions at or above 75 per cent occupancy for Easter holiday period.
- 500-plus deals available at Queensland.com.
- Outback Queensland tourism season opens with 29 new experiences.
The latest tourism data shows Queensland remains Australia's favourite holiday destination, with holiday overnight visitor expenditure reaching a record $14.6 billion of the total $30 billion in 2022.
Reports from across the state suggest that title will ring true this Easter holiday period with strong occupancy rates across multiple regions.
- Southern Queensland Country is currently sitting above 85 per cent occupancy, Agnes Water and 1770 are at 85 per cent.
- The Whitsundays are averaging 70 per cent for the holiday period and at 90 per cent this weekend.
- Gold Coast is at 75 per cent and the Sunshine Coast is anticipating occupancies above 75 per cent for the holiday period.
Queensland's airports are also experiencing an incredibly busy school holiday period.
- Brisbane Airport forecasting 1.4 million passengers.
- Gold Coast Airport expecting more than 240,000 inbound seats over the two-week school holiday.
- Cairns Airport estimating nearly 70,000 passengers will have passed through the terminal by the end of the Easter long weekend.
While some regions are reporting strong booking figures, Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said there were still last-minute bookings available and more than 500 deals to be found at Queensland.com.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:
"A bumper Easter and school holiday period is terrific news for our hard-working tourism operators.
"There's still time to plan a great holiday and plenty of fantastic deals out there waiting to be discovered.
"The Outback Queensland tourism season has also kicked off and the Gulf is back open for business and ready to welcome visitors with open arms."
Patricia O'Callaghan Chief Executive Officer, Tourism and Events Queensland said:
"There are so many incredible moments to be made these Easter school holidays in Queensland.
"Easter is a favourite time for families to holiday together and Queensland's world-renowned destinations and experiences are the perfect tonic to reconnect with nature, ourselves and our loved ones.
"Whether you're looking to be inspired by the work of iconic artists at HOTA's Pop Masters exhibit or the chase thrills at the Gold Coast's iconic theme parks, embrace your inner farmer at Roma's Easter in the Country or immerse yourself in the world heritage wonders of the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef, there is something for everyone in Queensland these school holidays."
Brett Fraser Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Tourism Industry Council said:
"What better way to make the most of the Easter school holidays than by enjoying a Queensland getaway.
"Dine under the stars in the Outback, escape to the hinterland for a quiet retreat, or enjoy a coastal adventure. There's a unique experience for every holidaymaker in our great state.
"With many accommodation providers and experiences accepting last-minute bookings, I'm confident our tourism sector will see a bumper Easter holiday period."
Matt Stoeckel Chief Executive Officer, Visit Sunshine Coast said:
"Bonza's introduction of direct services from Melbourne and key east coast regional centres has really energised the Sunshine Coast's Easter holiday tourism prospects.
"With NSW, Victoria and Queensland school holidays coming together in the week ahead, along with public holidays, we are anticipating that occupancies will grow above 75 per cent, given the good weather forecast.
"We are attracting visitors from across the markets. Along with strong demand from the family and couples sectors we are seeing growing interest in experience-based nature travel, wellness and rejuvenation packages, and adventure activities."
Denise Brown Chief Executive Officer, Outback Queensland Tourism Association said:
"With 29 new experiences on offer this year, there has never been a better time to visit.
"Our 2023 Outback Events Calendar is also jam-packed with plenty of new events launching in 2023 including Hughenden's Festival of Outback Skies, Cunnamulla's Outback River Lights Festival, Opera Queensland's Lady Sings the Maroons regional tour and Mirusia Under the Stars at Quilpie.
"Big skies and even bigger adventures await in Outback Queensland and communities right across the region are ready to welcome visitors and excited for the season ahead."
Fast Facts
Outback Queensland is set to get a big boost in publicity, with a new documentary 'Outback Mysteries' by television royalty Ray Martin set to premiere in prime-time on SBS tonight.
Supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, the 'Outback Mysteries' documentary is part of the 'Chasing the Light' series and showcases hidden gems and Indigenous culture in Outback Queensland."
