Get in quick to book a Queensland Christmas break
Posted by editor (editor) on Dec 10 2009
2009 >>

Holidaymakers thinking of waiting until the last minute to book a Christmas break are at risk of missing out as many Queensland destinations are already close to full, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.

Mr Lawlor said anecdotal feedback from major destinations including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Whitsundays and Tropical North Queensland was pointing towards a strong holiday season.

“According to accommodation houses in many Queensland destinations, they already have strong bookings over Christmas and New Year and room availability is growing scarce,” Mr Lawlor said.

“This is great news for Queensland’s tourism industry after a tough year, but may not be so great for those who leave it until the last minute to book a holiday and could end up disappointed.

“We are advising holidaymakers that if they want to go away they should get in quick.

“Alternatively, if you are able to postpone your holidays until later in January or February, there is a better chance of getting your first holiday choice if it is booked out during the peak period.”

Mr Lawlor said some Gold Coast hotels had reported more than 80 percent occupancy in November leading into a strong holiday period, while the Sunshine Coast is expected to be at full capacity between Christmas and the New Year.

Accommodation in the Moreton Bay and Islands region and the Scenic Rim were looking strong for the Christmas period but there were still good vacancies at many B&Bs and other properties after New Year.

“Further north, the Fraser Coast is optimistic of a buoyant season and some hotels are enticing holidaymakers to the region by offering great deals,” he said.

“The Whitsundays say they have solid bookings but there are still some vacancies around Christmas, while Mackay’s coastal resorts are heavily booked throughout the school holidays.

“People wishing to take a tropical holiday should look to Townsville as there are still good vacancy levels, however those wishing to travel to Magnetic Island should book now as the island is filling up.

“In Tropical North Queensland, Palm Cove is strongly booked and Port Douglas properties are expecting to be hanging out the ‘no vacancy’ signs in the Christmas-New Year period for those who don’t get in now.

“There is still space available in Cairns hotels, some of which are offering special deals, but those looking for apartments should hurry as there is limited availability.”

Tourism Queensland Acting CEO Steve McRoberts said Queensland’s tourism destinations were optimistic that the holiday season would be buoyant.

“It’s been a challenging year for the tourism industry but it looks like it could end on a high for many operators,” Mr McRoberts said.

“There are however still some great holiday deals available.

“Tourism Queensland, for example, is supporting operators and making it easier for holidaymakers to book their festive season accommodation through its online ‘Hey Hey it’s a Queensland Christmas’ campaign.

“The campaign offers some great holiday deals and it also gives people the chance to win a fantastic Queensland holiday.”

More information on Tourism Queensland’s Hey Hey it’s a Queensland Christmas, can be found at www.queenslandholidays.com.au.

Last changed: Dec 10 2009 at 11:40 AM