While inbound travel to Australia may have halted, it hasn’t stopped Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) from gearing up for the future return of international visitors to the Sunshine Coast.
Visit Sunshine Coast launched its International Restart Program last week in partnership with Pinnacle Marketing.
The program will see 18 suppliers participate in a trade-ready program with a focus on getting international ready for the New Zealand market.
“The New Zealand market has always been the Sunshine Coast’s number one international market, attracting over 85,000 visitors annually prior to the pandemic,” said Emily Zinowki, VSC Trade and Distribution Manager.
“The potential of the market was further boosted with the start of direct year-round flights from Auckland, and while these flights have been temporarily suspended, we know there is a great appetite in the Kiwi market for what the Sunshine Coast offers.
“Having a wide range of new trade-ready accommodation and experiences will be crucial for rebuilding the market and our operators are ready to welcome back Kiwis as soon as borders re-open.”
The Sunshine Coast says it’s also looking forward to the 2032 South East Queensland Olympic Games becoming known as the “Sunshine Games”, showcasing the best of the Sunshine State and Sunshine Coast to the world.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said “The Olympics will turbocharge the Sunshine Coast’s economic development and with the new international-capacity runway at Sunshine Coast Airport, there are excellent prospects for attracting additional hotel and tourism development aimed at both domestic and international travellers.”