By Roy Weavers

Tourism Queensland has launched a $1.3 million marketing campaign to tempt southerners to the state. The Getaway Giveaways retail campaign will run for four weeks until mid-March, in conjunction with industry partners Flight Centre, Virgin Blue and Infinity Holidays.

“There are more than 130 deals on offer from Queensland operators, including accommodation providers, tours and attractions,” Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said. The campaign will urge travellers to take a short break in Queensland.

Every deal will come with a free night and an additional giveaway, such as a free breakfast or a room upgrade.

Tours and attractions have also joined the campaign to offer lures  such as free children’s entry. Funding for the campaign has been made available as part of the Tourism Action Plan to 2012, Lawlor added. Tourism Queensland chief  executive, Anthony Hayes, said the campaign will target consumers across television, radio, press and online advertising.

TV commercials will run in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with full-page press ads also planned.

“This is another example of the type of targeted  tactical marketing we are focusing on,” Hayes said.