Queensland Hotel Bookings Soar Thirty Percent Over Easter as Tourism Recovers Strongly from Disasters

Hotel News: After months of hardship caused by floods, cyclones, and violent storms that devastated much of Queensland throughout 2024, the state’s tourism sector is finally bouncing back with vigor. As Easter arrives, new data shows that Queensland is experiencing a significant surge in hotel bookings—up to 30 percent higher than last year—indicating a strong revival of domestic tourism and renewed traveler confidence.

The impact of natural disasters like the widespread flooding in northern Queensland and the destructive force of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in the southeast led to widespread disruption of travel infrastructure and cancellations across the region. However, recent figures from Tourism and Events Queensland paint a vastly different picture today. This Hotel News report highlights that Queensland is now the most sought-after destination among Australians this Easter, with 18 percent of travelers choosing to visit the Sunshine State—more than any other region in the country.

Domestic Travelers Fuel Hotel Industry Revival

Leading the influx are visitors from New South Wales and Victoria, with 20 percent and 10 percent respectively planning overnight stays. The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane continue to top the list of popular spots, but regional Queensland destinations like Tropical North Queensland and Outback Queensland are also seeing renewed interest.

Government support has been instrumental in rebuilding and restoring key tourism infrastructure. Through the Tourism Disaster Recovery Package, significant funding has gone into repairing roads, restoring accommodations, and launching marketing efforts to lure visitors back. Road trips are gaining popularity, with nearly half of Queensland-bound travelers opting to drive. Nonetheless, air travel continues to be the leading mode of arrival, aided by attractive airfare discounts from Australia’s top carriers.

Events and Campaigns Fueling the Travel Frenzy

An energetic Easter events calendar has been another catalyst behind this tourism surge. The Tour de Brisbane, the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final, and the Gold Coast Film Festival are drawing thousands to Queensland. These events have become central to the region’s strategy to attract visitors and rebuild its image as a vibrant holiday destination.

The response has been immediate and overwhelming. Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator with more than 100 properties in Queensland, has reported a 30 percent increase in Easter long weekend bookings compared to 2024. Cairns, despite recent heavy rains, leads the state with a staggering 63 percent spike in bookings, while Tropical North Queensland is up 43 percent, and the Gold Coast follows closely with a 32 percent rise—even with the lingering effects of Cyclone Alfred.

Hotels Nationwide Benefit but Queensland Leads the Pack

The revival isn’t limited to Queensland alone. Accor’s hotels in Canberra saw a remarkable 103 percent increase in advance bookings, driven by major events like the Pompeii exhibition and the National Folk Festival. Victoria is also riding a wave of strong demand with a 39 percent year-on-year growth in bookings, thanks in part to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and key AFL matchups. Sydney, too, has enjoyed a 14 percent boost in hotel stays, largely fueled by the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

However, it is Queensland’s resilience that stands out. Strategic campaigns like Tourism and Events Queensland’s “Too Great to Wait,” combined with airfare discounts and compelling event programming, have played a critical role in driving demand. Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Accor Pacific for PM&E, said that the figures are a strong endorsement of Queensland’s rebound and its appeal as a premier holiday choice despite recent adversities.

Hotels Optimistic as Recovery Accelerates

As the Easter weekend progresses, Queensland’s hotels are buzzing with activity, hopeful that this momentum will carry through the upcoming school holiday period and beyond. While regions like Outback Queensland are still in the process of healing from weather-related damages, overall optimism is growing across the state’s tourism industry.

The current spike in hotel bookings is more than just a seasonal boost—it’s a testament to the resilience of Queensland’s communities and the effectiveness of collaborative recovery efforts between the government, tourism boards, and private operators. With renewed confidence from travelers and a robust calendar of upcoming events, Queensland is well-positioned to reclaim its place as Australia’s top travel destination.

As more Australians rediscover the beauty and diversity of the Sunshine State, and with support structures firmly in place, the outlook for Queensland’s tourism and hotel industries appears stronger than ever. The steady stream of visitors is expected to continue well past the Easter holiday, setting the stage for a promising 2025.

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