As Queensland’s south-east starts to return to normality following ex-Cyclone Alfred, a major marketing campaign is about to rollout to aid the region’s recovery.
‘Brisbane Favours the Bold’ will launch next week, aiming to drive visitation back to the Sunshine State and inject millions into the economy.
The city is back open for business – that’s the message from both the local and state governments in the aftermath of Alfred, teasing a new tourism campaign.
The south-east of the state was ravaged by rain, strong winds and destructive flooding, with local businesses taking a financial hit too.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred dealing a mighty $68 million blow.
“Aviation was turned off, the Port of Brisbane had to close down, our hotel bookings fell off a cliff,” Brisbane Economic Development Agency chief executive Anthony Ryan said.
“What we saw right from the outset was about a 40 per cent immediate decrease in in our hotel bookings.”
Council and the state government are splashing out $2.5 million dollars to aid recovery efforts.
It’s all part of a new tourism blitz to bring visitors back to Brisbane.
“Queensland’s open for business, Brisbane is open for business, and we want tourists, regardless of where they come from, to flock back to this part of the world,” Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said.
Tourism brings in $95m a day and supports one in 12 jobs, he said.
The campaign showcases the very best of the river city.
Unique experiences like Beer Yoga along Brisbane River at the iconic Howard Smith Wharves are among fresh attractions.
NRL’s Magic Round will also be a big pull.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said special sales are also planned especially in the lead up to Easter.
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“There’s some amazing deals that are being offered both with the airlines, with hotels, with tourism operators,” Schrinner said.
The three major airlines are jumping on board launching sales on flights to and from Queensland over the next four weeks.
The campaign kicks off on Monday and is expected to inject tens of millions of dollars into the local economy.
