Greyhound is offering cheap Queensland coach travel to boost visitors to the ‘sunshine state’ to help get flood-battered tourism back together
January 24, 2011
Greyhound Australia and Tourism Queensland are looking to boost visitor numbers with the offer of at-cost coach bookings for a month from this weekend on the coach carrier’s express services.
Greyhound Chief Financial Officer Rick Romanin says the offer extends to the end of February, servicing Gold Coast, Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach, Townsville and Cairns starting at $15.
“While the current focus is on safety and the cleanup, tourism needs to get back on its feet as soon as possible to ensure Queensland’s recovery,”
Romanin says.
“Queenslanders also need to get travelling and we hope they take advantage of these deals to travel intrastate.”
He says research findings show the Queensland tourism industry could be boosted by approximately $61 million if just one percent of Australians booked a two-day getaway to the State.
“Sixty-one million dollars would make a significant difference right now,” Romanin says.
“Many tourism operators, small hotel owners, mum and dad owned businesses dependent on tourism are suffering and are on the brink of closure and need a lifeline.”
Romanin says a major impact from the flood disaster is the loss of business opportunity in terms of cancellations, refunds and postponement.
“It’s a hidden cost, but it’s very real and immediate for all of us in the tourism industry,” he says.
“While there is no denying that Queensland had been hit hard by the floods it is crucial to dispel rumours the entire State is a disaster zone.”
He says Queensland tourist hot spots including the Gold Coast, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and the Whitsundays have been unaffected and are open for business.
Tourism Queensland Chief Executive Officer Anthony Hayes says travellers are encouraged to visit areas that had been affected by floodwaters, as well as those that escaped the deluge.
“If you already have a Queensland holiday booked, don’t cancel it as most tourism regions and operations are now up and running, and if you don’t have a Queensland holiday booked, book one,” Hayes says.