Qantas and the Queensland Government will undertake a joint marketing campaign to attract more business and premium leisure travellers to the State.

The $400,000 campaign, to be rolled out by Tourism and Events Queensland and Qantas in February and March, will focus on attracting more visitors to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns and Townsville.

Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Lyell Strambi said the airline was delighted to be working with the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.

“Qantas started in Queensland 92 years ago and the airline’s connection with the state has never been stronger,” Mr Strambi said.

“Queensland has had another tough summer with the floods however the message from this campaign is that these destinations are open for business.

“This campaign will also help build on the success of Qantas’ return to the Gold Coast which has increased business and premium travellers to the region.

“We are in talks with the Queensland Government about further opportunities to promote the fantastic beaches, hotels, restaurants, attractions and business conference facilities across the State.”

In addition to TV, radio and online advertising, Qantas has launched a sale to these destinations. Qantas is also featuring Queensland destinations as part of its in-flight entertainment and in-flight magazine which will be seen by millions of domestic and international passengers in February and March.

Mr Strambi said Qantas offered travellers to Queensland more destinations, more flights at the times they want to travel, access to 10 Queensland lounges, frequent flyer benefits and a modern fleet of aircraft.

“Qantas is the only domestic airline operating out of Queensland offering a meal and checked baggage to all passengers as part of their fare, no matter what time they are flying or which class they are in,” he said.

Mr Strambi said Queensland would also benefit from the partnership between Qantas and Emirates.

“Subject to regulatory approval, the partnership is expected to boost inbound tourism with Emirates flights feeding directly in to the Qantas domestic network, when it commences on 31 March,” he said.

“Queenslanders heading overseas can also expect world class travel experiences with more one stop access to Europe, shorter travel times, cheaper airfares and exclusive frequent flyer benefits.”

The Qantas Group employs over 5000 people in Queensland and services 24 destinations across the State.