Flying Kiwis across Ditch

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe at Brisbane International Airport

Three tourism campaigns will encourage Kiwis to fly across the ditch to help kick start one of Queensland’s most important international visitor markets.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government had worked with overseas travel partners to build world-class holiday experiences for New Zealanders.

“As New South Wales and Victoria begin to reach for woolly jumpers, Queensland is the place to be this winter,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We’re putting together an itinerary of warm Queensland holiday getaways to entice Kiwis out of the cold and across the ditch.

“New Zealand’s winter daytime temperatures usually struggle to reach double digits, so we know there’s pent-up Kiwi demand for a relaxing spot in the Queensland sun.

“The Palaszczuk Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, has partnered with Ignite Travel and Air New Zealand to deliver irresistible deals on flights and holidays for Queensland winter getaways.

“With quarantine-free travel to Queensland for Covid vaccinated visitors and New Zealand lifting travel restrictions, there’s never been a better time remind Kiwis about visitor experiences found only in Queensland.”

Today Ignite Travel launches MyQueensland in New Zealand for the first time to tempt Kiwis with secluded Queensland islands, beaches, rainforests, vibrant cities and events.

Air New Zealand’s winter airfare deals to Queensland are scheduled for take-off later this month.

Destination Gold Coast’s Rachel Hancock said the Gold Coast was seeing strong numbers from New Zealand with thousands of travellers through the airport.

“We know this will continue to surge as we head into winter which is traditionally favourable for our Kiwi visitors,” Ms Hancock said.

“One per cent of all Kiwis live in our region and we know an annual Gold Coast holiday is a tradition for Kiwi families who will now be able to flee winter for Australia’s favourite playground.”

Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said the Far North was excited about welcoming New Zealand visitors.

“Tropical North Queensland continues to have a laser-sharp focus on rebuilding better for recovery,” Mr Healy said.

“We’re Good to Go with a sparkling new line-up of world-class visitor experiences and Kiwi favourites.

“Tourism operators are eager to get started on international recovery and are lining up great deals for New Zealanders.

“Whether it’s a family reunion or a holiday getaway, this winter the tropical north is rolling out the red carpet for our trans-Tasman neighbours.”

Mr Hinchliffe said Ignite Travel’s MyQueensland was the first stage of an integrated campaign to bring more Kiwi holidaymakers across the ditch to Queensland.

“We want Queensland’s winter message to New Zealanders to be almost inescapable,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Ignite Travel MyQueensland campaign is on New Zealand billboards, bus stops, social media and in the New Zealand Herald.

“From late next month, the quintessentially Queensland images of Days Like This will be rolled out on New Zealand TV, cinemas, digital displays and online.

“We’ll also be starting a conversation about Days Like This and Queensland’s winter escape deals on New Zealand radio.

“Our winter deals for Kiwis follow the launch of the Good to Go campaign across four continents globally.

“It’s part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to fast-tracking the rebuild of Queensland’s $6 billion international tourism industry for our Economic Recovery Plan, now underway.”

Brisbane Airport Corporation’s Rachel Crowley said three quarters of Queensland’s international arrivals landed in Brisbane.

“We’re right behind the campaign to entice more Kiwis across the ditch,” Ms Crowley said.

“In 2019 and before Covid, just over 1.5 million passengers flew between New Zealand Brisbane.

“Each international flight arriving at Brisbane Airport can generate up to $1 million in economic activity.”

New Zealanders contributed more than $600 million to Queensland’s visitor economy before the pandemic.

For Queensland holiday experiences, visit: queensland.com

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