Council welcomes Government’s tourism campaign

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council has welcomed the State Government’s efforts to boost visitor numbers and shore up the local economy through a new tourism advertising campaign to be launched later this month.

Premier Anna Bligh has announced a $1.3 million campaign, urging Australians to take a ‘bonus break’ and spend the cash they receive from the Federal Government’s stimulus package on a holiday in Queensland.

The campaign will promote several destinations, including the Sunshine Coast, with holiday packages of up to five nights for under $1000.

Council’s Economic Development spokesman Lew Brennan congratulated the State Government on the initiative, saying it would help the Coast industry weather the financial storm.

“We are very pleased to see the State Government was so quick out of the blocks with the campaign,” Cr Brennan said.

“Tourism is the Coast’s largest industry sector, it is vital to our economy and all indications are that 2009 will be a tough year.

“Any extra assistance we receive from the State Government to give the industry a boost and protect local jobs , particularly at this time, is more than welcome.”