Cairns Travel bargains for locals

Cairns travel just got better for locals, with special deals announced in a bid to overcome the tourism downturn associated with the high Australian Dollar, which just passed US$1.10.

Cairns Residents get freebies & Discounts on Queensland Travel

Check out your Cairns region travel discounts and freebies now:  support your local economy and have a great time doing it

Read about the best time to visit Cairns at Cairns Resorts

Check out the full article on Cairns Travel discounts at the Cairns Post (and the link for the freebies!)

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/05/02/161651_local-news.html
Excerpt below:

Special holiday deals for Cairns region residents

THE tourism industry will today launch a first-of-its-kind campaign urging local residents to holiday in their own back yard and rediscover the region's attractions.

Special deals, discounts, giveaways and promotions will be rolled out during May at attractions from Cape Tribulation to Cardwell and out to the Tableland in a bid to attract local visitors, support jobs and boost the economy.

The campaign is a response to the expected downturn in visitors in coming months, caused by record highs in the Australian dollar and the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has launched a website featuring more than 100 special deals and offers available to local residents.

Paradise found: Jessica Taylor and Jerry Abraham enjoy the unique surrounds of Paronella Park yesterday. Picture: TOM LEE

"Around 20 per cent of visitors to any given attraction come with local family or friends so it’s a timely reminder for our industry to reflect on the fact that the local market is incredibly important for us."

Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours managing director Sheena Walshaw said her company was involved in the campaign to encourage more Far Northern residents to visit Daintree.

The campaign will lobby Cairns Regional Council to extend its recent trial of making the Daintree Ferry free, hailed as a success.

"The region is driven by tourism, not only businesses in tourism but those that are supported by the industry in a broader sense," she said.

"With the rising cost of fuel and surcharges on flights, there are benefits to holidaying at home, and there is just a good feeling about exploring your local area."