Sunshine Coast tourism operators encourage Queenslanders to visit the region during school holidays

September 14, 2021

Having experienced significant disruption to the winter holiday period caused by the COVID outbreak, Sunshine Coast’s tourism operators are calling on Queenslanders to visit the region during the upcoming school holidays.

Visit Sunshine Coast Chief Executive, Matt Stoeckel said that uncertainty caused by COVID had decimated tourism business over the past six months, and with the major interstate markets closed for tourists, there had never been a more important time for Queenslanders to holiday local and book a visit to the Sunshine Coast.

Stoeckel notes “usually, our accommodation operators are pretty much full during the September school holidays, but this year operators are reporting barely 60% occupancy in the lead up to the holiday – so there is still plenty of room at the inn.

“Visit Sunshine Coast has been pulling out all stops to target Brisbane and the surrounding drive market as well as South Australia with the recommencement of free-flowing interstate travel which will extend the holiday period by a week to 8th October.

“Due to the hit in travel confidence, we know people are booking last minute and we want to encourage them to visit the Sunshine Coast. This is a fantastic time to enjoy the region, with warm days, mild nights and incredible water-based attractions, including whale watching and swimming with whales, that goes through till mid-October.

“In addition to a lively calendar of events, many of the attractions across the Sunshine Coast will be holding special holiday activities for visitors including Paw Patrol at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.

SEA LIFE General Manager, Quinn Clarke adds “SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium is excited to be partnering with Paw Patrol The Movie to bring a splash of adventure to your school holidays. There will be Paw Patrol activities throughout the aquarium, and special pup packs for kids on arrival. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast will be open 7 days a week, from 8am daily during the school holidays and we ask that all visitors pre-book their tickets online in advance.”

Sunshine Coast Events and Activities:

18th September to 4th October - Paw Patrol at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
18th September to 4th October – Spring Holiday Fun at Australia Zoo
20th, 21st, 23rd, 27th, 28th and 30th September - Busy Bee Hotel Workshops at The Ginger Factory
24th September – Moonlight Food Markets, Eumundi
24th September – Ride the Night, Aussie World
1st-3rd October, Caloundra Music Festival, Kings Beach
2nd October, Mary Valley Rattler 3rd Birthday, Gympie
2nd October, Walking with Dinosaurs, Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens

12th September 2021 - IRONMAN 70.3 to showcase Sunshine Coast and boost its visitor economy

16th August 2021 - Sunshine Coast lockdown has $45 million impact on tourism

22nd July 2021 - Sunshine Coast looks to showcase its location and venues during 2032 Olympic Games

8th July 2021 - Sunreef launches new vessel to enhance Sunshine Coast whale encounters

24th June 2021 - Actvenure resort backers submit new plans to Sunshine Coast Council

22nd June 2021 - Sunshine Coast partnership aims to attract New Zealand tourists

16th June 2021 - Sunshine Coast live music venue owner critical of inconsistent COVID-19 safety rules

1st June 2021 - Visit Sunshine Coast appoints new Head of Marketing

17th May 2021 - Visit Sunshine Coast welcomes leading tourism business event planners

5th May 2021 - Sunshine Coast Convention Centre’s SCouT 2021 well attended by tourism sector

28th April 2021 - High demand for Sunshine Coast’s venues

22nd March 2021 - SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast celebrates International Day of the Seal

4th February 2021 - Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism Noosa partner in launching new tourism campaign

31st January 2021 - Sunshine Coast MP promotes SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast tourism attraction

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