Mackay Airport announced today new support for Mackay Isaac Tourism in a boost that will support and turbocharge the region’s tourism. The collaboration will ensure the region capitalises on key opportunities emerging both intrastate and interstate, with looming plans to unlock tourism potential across the region.
The announcement comes on the back of both the State Government’s roadmap announced last week to reopen Queensland and is expected to accelerate the return of visitors to the Mackay and Isaac region to pre-covid levels when the region saw nearly two million visitors a year.
Adrian Miles, Head of Operations at Mackay Airport said the collaboration between Mackay Airport and Mackay Tourism signalled the importance of cooperating in challenging times.
“Partnerships like this really define what we can achieve together and are key to supporting the ongoing prosperity of the region and transforming the local economy.
“Mackay has always had incredible potential as a tourism destination and as we emerge from Covid, its more important than ever before to work together to ensure the restoration of aviation connections and set our sights on interstate opportunities.
“Tourism is one of the major contributors the Mackay economy employing over 4,000 people locally and over the past twelve months we’ve worked with Mackay Tourism on charter flights and airfare subsidies to ensure we’re keeping our tourism economy alive. As Australia opens up again, we’ve got ambitious plans to really drive air connectivity to the region, more than ever before.
“With Aircraft Australia and Horizon Airways now onboard in Mackay, there’s enormous potential to expand charter services across the Whitsunday region and to really promote our destination in markets that have very little knowledge of the incredible range of attractions and experiences the Mackay and Isaac region has to offer.
Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Tas Webber said he was thrilled with the announcement saying the joint marketing efforts would be key to stimulating awareness of the Mackay Isaac Tourism region as a business, and leisure destination.
“The partnership is a real vote of confidence to the work we’ve been doing with the Airport over the past twelve months, driving events to the region.
“It's testament to the confidence Mackay Airport and the airlines have in our region and their belief in the untapped potential that exists for sports tourism, and leisure tourism.
“As we reopen, we’ve got great plans to really put Mackay and the Isaac region on the map for travellers seeking a new destination, and we’re delighted to have this important financial support from Mackay Airport.
“Prior to Covid, we had thirteen quarters of growth and visitor spending in the region was in excess of $664m per year and investing in campaigns to boost our visitor economy is front and centre of our plans. This support from Mackay Airport will ensure we’re ready to do just that,” Mr Webber said.
