Queensland Tourism Industry on Brink, Seeks Cost Relief

0:00It's April 7th. This is Sydney News today, driven by AI. Queen's Lands Tourism Industry is hitting a breaking point, according to the Queen's Land Tourism Industry Council. Rising fuel costs, insurance, energy, and labor are crushing operators, even as Easter long weekend bookings spiked in occupancy across key spots. Data from localists shows big jumps, like nearly 50% in the Whitsundays, over 41% on the Sunshine Coast, and around 31%. In and outback, in tropical North Queensland, but QTIC Chief Natasha Wheeler says those numbers aren't turning into real profits, with mass cancellations hitting hard, like caravan parts losing, over $52,000. Operators are feeling the squeeze first hand. A Sunshine Coast quad bike tour boss is eyeing a temporary shutdown, because costs outpaced, holiday earnings, needing both petrol and diesel, just to... Run tours. Meanwhile, Harvey Bay Whale watching cruises report bookings dropping off exponentially,

1:01with fuel bills up 50%. QTIC fired off letters to state and federal governments, demanding targeted cost relief, a joint fuel impact task force, and action on aviation prices. They stress it's not a bailout, but short term stabilization to avoid regional closures. Federal reps point to half-fuel excise, and anti-gouging measures, while the state backs events and eco-tourism. Without quit moves, this multiplier industry could drag down jobs and communities for good.