Townsville in North Queensland is attracting growing interest this Spring holiday season, says TEQ. Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Queensland is again proving to be a magnet for interstate Spring holiday visitors, say state tourism officials.
New data released by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) shows one in five Aussies intend to holiday in Queensland, the most popular state of choice.
According to a Qld Government statement, that ratio is a seasonal record, surpassing the 18 per cent intention declared in 2023 and 2019, and consistent with the intent shown for this year’s Winter holidays.
Queensland’s school holidays began on Saturday, September 14.
The Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast have proven to be the most popular destination regions for interstate visitors while southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Country, outback and Townsville are attracting greater interest.
Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy says tourism is “set to bloom” these holidays.
“Figures show record numbers of tourists plan to visit the Sunshine State over the September school holidays,” he says
“From Cairns Amateurs to Coolangatta Gold, we have a packed events calendar to rival any destination globally.”
TEQ chief executive officer Patricia O’Callaghan says there is no better time to visit.
“Our latest research shows Aussies agree – we’re the most-desired destination around the country this holiday period,” she says.
“Across the coming four-week school holiday period, not only do we see our parks, outback and rainforests in bloom and the whales finishing off their annual migration, we have 23 events supported by TEQ …. there is truly something for everyone,” Ms O’Callaghan says.
“Our focus now will be ensuring that this surge in interest translates into bookings with our tourism operators across the state …”
According to TEQ data, 21 per cent of Australians wanting a holiday intend to visit Queensland with NSW at 16 per cent and Victoria at 14 per cent.
The data shows 73 per cent of Australians feel in need of a holiday; couples comprise 37 percent of parties wanting a Queensland trip compared to 23 per cent for families.
While the school holiday period will boost family travel, more Australians intend to visit the state as a couple, travel with friends and relatives or take solo trips.
The most popular holiday transport mode is the car; 57 per cent of visitors want to drive across Queensland.
