Outback Queensland tourism season is set to prosper in 2021, as Aussies continue to explore their own backyard.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With international travel banned and interstate borders open, Outback at Isa General Manager Roland Schibig is predicting a significant tourism season this year, as he discussed with The North West Star on March 23.
"I am expecting that we are going to have a very busy season this year. We have a lot of online bookings and buses are heavily booked from June to August," Mr Schibig said.
"A lot of these bookings don't include grey nomads or family travelling, so we are expecting a busy season for Mount Isa and the Outback."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Mount Isa and the North West experienced a 60 per cent fall in tourism numbers, however numbers are predicted to return to normal if current conditions remain the same.
"We have been very lucky that we haven't had a second or third wave of coronavirus, but we still do not know what is ahead. It is still very uncertain times," Mr Schibig said.
"If the restrictions remain in place as they are now, we will see those interstate travellers and big numbers coming through the area.
"Queensland Tourism and Outback Queensland Tourism Association have been heavily campaigning for people to experience their own backyard before anywhere else.
"So not only can we expect to see Queenslanders travelling west but also interstate travellers from New South Wales and Victoria if the borders remain open."
Mr Schibig said there was plenty of attractions in Mount Isa and the North West for tourists to experience.
"We definitely encourage tourists to come and see the newly refurbished Riversleigh Fossil Centre and the Hard Time Mine Tour," he said.
"The Underground Museum is opening up soon and Kalkadoon is also opening to showcase some art which is another great attraction for Mount Isa.
"There is a shortage of half day tours in Mount Isa, but North West Tours have some trips available around the region including Mary Kathleen Town and Mine tour, Lake Moondarra Sunset Tour and a three day tour to Adels Grove and Lawn Hill."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
Bookmark https://www.northweststar.com.au/
Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Google News
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
