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With Tropical Cyclone Jasper and flooding events have impacted a number of tourism operators, those eligible will have immediate access to a $5 million tourism recovery package.

With more than 85% of tourism businesses in Tropical North Queensland open for business, the recovery package focuses on bringing tourists back to the region, as well as delivering immediate financial support to affected businesses.

The dedicated package includes travel incentives and business and infrastructure support.

In addition, Tourism and Events Queensland is set to roll out a marketing and media campaign showcasing Cairns and the wider region from 27th December 2023, complemented by discounted flight and accommodation packages available early 2024.

Business support will focus on tourism businesses not eligible for the existing Small Business Grants and minor infrastructure repairs. A dedicated Tourism Response Officer will also be placed with regional tourism organisation, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, for a minimum of three months.

The Tourism Recovery package is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt noted “Far North Queensland is on the bucket list for so many and we are determined to keep attracting visitors to this beautiful part of the world.

“Tourism is a fundamental part of the region’s economy, which is why the Australian and Queensland Governments are prioritising tourism recovery in this first disaster assistance package.

“The best support people can provide to these impacted communities right now is to keep their holiday plans locked in, and if they’re looking to travel in the future please consider our north.”

Tourism Minister Michael Healy added “The Australian and Queensland Governments are committed to working together to deliver the support the residents and businesses of Far North Queensland need to get back on their feet.

“Our operators want customers, not handouts, as they get back to business, and we are rolling out marketing and travel packages to lure people to the far north for a tropical summer getaway.

“However, tourism operators, like all businesses in the areas impacted by the cyclone and flooding, will need assistance over the upcoming days, weeks and months and this package includes financial, business and minor infrastructure assistance, as well as the deployment of a dedicated Tourism Recovery Officer.

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Patricia O'Callaghan added “Cairns is one of our true tourism gems and we want as many people as possible to travel to all of North Queensland and rediscover a region like no other place on earth,” she said.

“Over the coming days and weeks we will be turbo-charging our domestic marketing activity to well-and-truly highlight that Cairns is open for business and tourism operators are ready to give you the experience of a lifetime.

“Combining great airfares with excellent accommodation deals gives travellers an added incentive to come north to see the Great Barrier Reef, marvel at the rainforest and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.disasterassist.gov.au

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18th December 2023 - Tourism industry focusses on community and visitor safety during extreme weather across far north Queensland

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