With Monday's announcement of international borders opening it's no surprise that the Queensland Government's tourism arm, Tourism and Events Queensland has sprung into action.

Once-in-a-lifetime prizes, outstanding holiday deals and cut-price airfares will all be on offer form 13 February as Queensland launches a national and international marketing assault to continue the long-term rebuild of the state’s tourism industry

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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said supporting the state’s tourism industry to rebuild was an important part of the government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“Thanks to the way Queenslanders have responded to this pandemic, our economy is roaring back to life. And we’re leading the nation in jobs created since the start of the pandemic,” the Premier said.

“I know firsthand how COVID-19 has affected tourism businesses throughout our state.

“But now we’re ready to welcome back visitors and I know so many families and friends are ready to reconnect on a Queensland holiday.”

The Premier said Queensland would today launch its first national tourism campaigns in more than 18 months.

“Today we’re launching a series of campaigns worth $5.2 million around the country and taking the first steps towards international marketing,” the Premier said.

The ‘Great Queensland Getaway’ campaign offers great holiday deals through Queensland.com, a range of holiday packages on sale through retail travel partners, Virgin Australia airfares on sale, and a competition with some incredible money-can’t-buy experiences to be won.

Launching around the country, it follows the debut of the state’s aspirational ‘Days Like This’ campaign into New South Wales and Victoria last weekend, as well as the first steps towards re-starting tourism marketing internationally.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the best deals on Queensland holidays would be snapped up quickly.

“That’s why we’ve worked closely with operators to deliver a package of dream deals to suit visitors of all interests and abilities,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Virgin Australia is launching sales on fares from all major interstate airports into Queensland and Accor has special accommodation rates from $119 per night.

“And to keep Queensland getaways under the nation’s spotlight, we’re giving Australians the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime holiday prizes.

“These holiday offers go live from this weekend to help Queensland operators secure booking until June 2022.”

Mr Hinchliffe said international, two-way travel was now open between Singapore and Queensland and from other destinations later this month.

“The Palaszczuk Government through Tourism and Events Queensland continues to work with our overseas travel partners,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“With the Federal Government reopening international borders on February 21 to fully vaccinated travellers, we’re already reminding our partners of the world-class visitor experiences only found in Queensland.

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Leanne Coddington said it was exciting to be returning to national and international marketing.

“We know as people emerge from this latest outbreak they want to feel good – and to do so they will value safety, simplicity and memorable moments with friends, family and the natural environment,” she said.

To see the holiday deals available, head to Queensland.com from Sunday 13 February when the ‘Great Queensland Getaway’ goes live.

Tourism businesses can find information on getting involved at teq.queensland.com/upcomingcampaigns