A tourism campaign launched for Townsville North Queensland last Monday has already sold out due to high demand.
The ‘Mates Rates’ campaign, which offered 50 per cent off tourism experiences, was launched to help drive visitors to Townsville North Queensland tourism businesses struggling from cancellations and low forward bookings following the impacts of recent weather events.
The program was an initiative of Townsville Enterprise and supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, with additional initiatives in discussions to continue ongoing recovery efforts.
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer, Townsville Enterprise, Claudia Brumme-Smith:
“Absolutely thrilled with being able to sell out this campaign offer in just under a week, with thousands of mates supporting their tourism mates in North Queensland.
“We knew this campaign was popular having seen a similar result in 2024, but we are still truly humbled by the mateship shown through this campaign.
“Campaigns such as this go to show that when we advocate with our business community for practical solutions, we know we can be successful as a region.
“We thank the Crisafulli government, our councils and our community for their support of this region. We are certain that holidaying at home will mean beautiful memories are being created right here in Paradise.
“We know our community will continue support local, and this has never been more important as we gear up for another big year in Townsville North Queensland.”
Quotes Attributed to Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell MP said he was elated with the results.
“Thank you Townsville for coming out in such strong support of your friends, neighbours and colleagues who work in tourism.
“Thousands of you are about to take a much-needed and well-deserved trip out in your own backyard and enjoy the world-class tourism experiences Townsville has to offer.
“This is a huge boost that is welcomed by local tourism businesses and we’re so happy with the huge success this campaign has been.”
Quotes attributable to Tourism and Events Queensland, Ollie Philpot:
“Thousands of people have raced to book a tropical getaway, and we know they’ll have an exceptional experience,” Mr Philpot said.
“But most importantly we also know how important this boost is to the local tourism economy, at a time when it’s really needed.
“We’re thrilled to see this campaign be such a runaway success in creating forward bookings over the next few weeks for tourism businesses and bolstering their cashflow following what’s been such a challenging time.
“Tourism and Events Queensland has been delighted to help support this campaign and will continue to work with the local tourism industry on recovery longer-term.”
Quotes attributable to Acting Mayor, Ann-Maree Greaney:
“The success of Townsville Enterprise’s Mates Rates campaign yet again highlights the amazing offerings we have here in Townsville and the region,” Cr Greaney said.
“We live in paradise, and after the start of the year we’ve had it’s no surprise people not only want to get out and explore their backyard, but support our amazing tourism industry.
“Townsville is open for business, and with thousands of people jumping on this offer it’s proof that Townsville and our community really does shine, especially after grey skies.”
Quotes attributable to Owner, Pilgrim Sailing Clare Ley,
“The Mates Rates Campaign couldn’t have come at a better time! February is usually a quiet month for us, and with the recent rain, things were looking even slower.
“Overnight we saw a 30% uplift in bookings thanks to this campaign and the short lead time means the support is coming right when we need it.
“Seeing such a surge in bookings for the next six weeks, thanks to Mates Rates, has been a huge confidence boost and provides great reassurance for our crew that they will be getting some more hours very soon.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for locals to get out and experience activities they may not have tried before or have been meaning to do for a while.
“Thank you to Townsville Enterprise for putting together such a great offer for businesses and locals.
Brent Clark – GM Hotel and Property Services, Ardo and The Ville Resort Casino
“After the weather disruptions in late January, like many local businesses we too felt the effects on our operations with the loss of bookings. The Mates Rates campaign has been a remarkable boost for Ardo and The Ville, with a significant increase in bookings at both properties. In less than 24 hours, we’ve seen a rise in hotel reservations, a true testament to the strength and resilience of the Townsville and wider community.
We are grateful for their support and thrilled to offer them this fantastic deal as we welcome them back for a much-needed escape. We’re equally grateful to Townsville Enterprise for driving the Mates Rates campaign, one that’s mutually beneficial to local businesses and the community alike."
