It's been a turbulent three years for the tourism industry in Far North Queensland in light of international border closures due to COVID-19.
But the situation is easing, with National Visitor Survey figures showing Australian holidaymakers are spending more and staying longer in the region.Domestic travellers spent $3 billion in the year ending in March 2022, up 18.8 per cent on 2019. Former Tourism Australia boss John O'Sullivan, who now runs Experience Co which offers experiences in Far North Queensland, said he had confidence the region would make a full recovery.
He said Australians in particular were keen to get out and explore despite the soaring cost of living."The last thing that people cut from their household budget is a holiday, it's sacrosanct to Aussies — we are a race that likes holidaying, whether it's here or overseas," Mr O'Sullivan said. "There will be a tightening of the belt inevitably, but you'll find that part of the market that would normally go overseas to Bali and Fiji, they'll put it off until next year but we still want to go on holidays.Find more local news
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