A year ago Queensland was hit a double blow from devastating floods and cyclone Yasi. Twelve months on and tourism in the sunshine state is bouncing back according to local operators.
Australian Bureau of Statistics results show a consistent growth in tourist numbers indicating a positive future for accommodation providers with an increased occupancy rate and average length of stay.
Much of this success comes from Tourism Queensland’s $12 million Nothing Beats Queensland campaign that was released immediately after the summer’s disasters.
Metro Hotels who have three properties in Queensland, have reported a rise in occupancy rates of up to 10 per cent in Gladstone, 12 per cent Brisbane and Ipswich.
The Metro Hotel on Wickham Terrace Brisbane and the Metro Hotel Ipswich International both suffered as a result of last January’s floods. “Luckily, both of these properties are on high ground so they were not directly damaged by the flood waters,” explains Metro Hotels Chief Operating Officer, George Bedwani.
The Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone also suffered because of the floods and cyclone Yasi. “Access to Gladstone from the southern and northern parts of the Queensland was completely cut off for a number of days,” said Mr Bedwani. “Gladstone is a mining hub and these natural disasters put a very large dent in their business and ours.”
According to Mr Bedwani, the future is looking positive for Queensland hotels. ”Queensland and Queenslanders are very resilient and the way everyone has pulled together to things up and running again is simply remarkable,” he said.
Queensland Hotels Bounce Back
Holidaying from the Island of Sodor, the famous blue tank engine rolls into town for Australia's biggest Thomas and Friends event, Day out with Thomas 2012 at The Workshops Rail Museum from 26 December to 29 January 2012.
While on their summer holiday Down Under, Thomas and his friends Edward, Donald, Douglas, Lady, plus Annie & Clarabel can be found throughout the Museum.
Just as famous as Thomas and known for his firm but friendly manner, The Fat Controller is looking forward to meeting fans and telling stories of the cheeky but Really Useful Engine.
Director of The Workshops Rail Museum Andrew Moritz said the Museum is happy to host the summer event that brings smiles to many excitable youngsters.
"We're delighted to welcome back familiar faces and the next generation of Thomas fans to enjoy the summer holidays with the lovable engine," said Mr Moritz.
"Parents and their Thomas enthusiasts can enjoy various Thomas activities and the new movie, Day of the Diesels, in air conditioned comfort."
Young engineers can let off some steam with hands-on activities in the Thomas Play Pit such as designing a Thomas track and getting creative at the Thomas Creation Station.
To add to the summer fun, the event also features a miniature train ride and bouncy castle, tickets cost $3 per person and are purchased after entry to the Museum.
Much bigger than the Tidmouth sheds on the Island of Sodor, tour the real railway Workshops and see firsthand the restoration and maintenance of powerful steam locomotives. Enclosed footwear is required for the tours and they leave at regular intervals throughout the day.
The Workshops Rail Museum is part of the Queensland Museum and is winner of Australian and Queensland Tourism Awards for Heritage and Cultural Tourism.
Book ideally located nearby accommodation at Metro Hotel Ipswich International