Mackay and Whitsundays tourism operators roll out the welcome mat for Easter
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 10 2010
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Mackay and Whitsundays tourism operators are up and running following Cyclone Ului and looking forward to rolling out the welcome mat for Easter guests, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.

Mr Lawlor, who toured Airlie Beach today along with Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt to specifically meet with the local tourism industry, said he was heartened to see the region’s island resorts and mainland accommodation, shops and restaurants were well and truly open for business, as were almost all tour operators.

There were still some closures in national parks and more remote areas, which were expected to reopen over the next few days.

Ms Jarratt said as soon as the cyclone passed clean up and repair crews were out in force and it’s fantastic to see their hard work has paid off.

“Almost all tourism operations in Mackay and the Whitsundays are fully operational, the beaches are looking great and the water is back to its famous Whitsundays blue,” she said.

“It’s also fantastic to see how positive the local tourism industry is and how much they’re looking forward to welcoming their Easter guests.”

Mr Lawlor encouraged Easter holidaymakers who had existing bookings in the region not to change their plans and for those who had not yet decided on a holiday to check out the fantastic Mackay and Whitsundays deals currently available.

“Mackay has recorded strong bookings for Easter but still has vacancies while the Whitsundays is offering some ‘Eggscellent’ deals for Easter travellers,” he said.

“Tourism Queensland’s new ‘Hey, hey! It’s time you got away’ campaign is also offering some fantastic deals in the region, including free nights, tours and meal options.

“Easter is a fabulous time of year to visit the Mackay and Whitsundays region with warm days and balmy nights and local tourism operators are eager to greet visitors with the hospitality they are famous for.”

Mr Lawlor said Tourism Queensland was currently working with local industry on a range of initiatives to encourage visitors to the region following the announcement last week by Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh and State Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt of the allocation of $75,000 in tourism funding.

The money is on top of more than $800,000 currently being spent on inter-state and international campaigns to lure people to Queensland.

Mr Lawlor said great holiday deals could be found at www.queenslandholidays.com

Last changed: Jun 10 2010 at 2:37 PM