Recent tourism figures showed that 30,000 Australians headed to Fiji for their holidays in July alone, a 19% increase on the previous year. Year to date figures to the end of July showed a 38% increase on 2009.

Fiji is thriving. But how do we entice these tourists to travel within their own borders?

The rise and rise of the Aussie dollar has been well publicised, and is invariably influencing people's travel decisions. But rather than accept a tourism drought here in Queensland, perhaps innovation is the answer, in part at least.

Some months ago it was suggested that domestic holidays should be either tax deductible, or holiday makers should receive a rebate for travelling within Australia in order to support the vital tourism industry.

What do you think about these ideas? Let us know below.

In the short term at least, the value of domestic travellers to our area seems to be rising as fast as the dollar and must be a strong focus for tourism bodies.

A day after Queensland Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor left on a $1 million trip to the UK to promote 'Queensland, where Australia shines', TPDD's Doug Ryan said that the reports he's been receiving say that the UK is "doing it tough."

Could that money be spent better through a domestic campaign, or supporting ideas like a rebate or tax deduction?

Tourism minister Martin Ferguson and Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy will be guest speakers at the 2010 Australian Tourism Directions Conference in Canberra on November 15.

The purpose of this conference is to set a long-term course for Australia’s tourism industry. We can only hope that innovation and a new way of thinking forms a large part of their discussions.

Take part in our poll on domestic travel incentives.