Despite the impact of the floods and Cyclone Yasi many of Queensland's tourism regions remain open for business.
The Australian Government continues to work with the Queensland Government to administer disaster recovery funding programs including for small tourism businesses.
The National Tourism Incident Response Plan for the Queensland floods was reactivated to include Cyclone Yasi. The plan sets out a co-ordinated, whole-of government response for the Australian, and State and Territory governments to manage potential negative economic impacts to the industry.
"Despite Cyclone Yasi being the most destructive cyclone ever to impact the state, some of Queensland’s major tourism infrastructure, including in Cairns and Townsville has emerged largely unscathed from the disaster," Minister Ferguson said
"Airports were returned to operation quickly and clean up efforts are well underway in affected regions.
"Clearly the hardest hit regions such as Tully and Tully Heads, and Cardwell will take longer to rebuild - but visitors need to remember that many of Queensland's best tourism destinations including the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Agnes Waters, 1770, Queensland's outback, Southern Downs, the Granite Belt and Toowoomba are accessible and open for business despite the floods and Cyclone Yasi.
"Given the importance of tourism to the Queensland economy, going ahead with your holiday or travel booking will play an important role in supporting Queensland's recovery effort and will have a positive flow on effect across the state.
"Our experience with natural disasters is that perception dictates travel plans but it can often be misleading. The floods impacted a small part of Toowoomba, for example, and businesses have recovered and the area is very much back up and running and open for customers.
"That is why I encourage all visitors to Queensland to contact their airline, travel agent, accommodation, tour provider or attraction directly to get the latest and most accurate advice before changing or cancelling any planned travel.
"We do not want to see business being lost unnecessarily in regions where it is still safe and suitable to travel.
"The $10 million Tourism Industry Support Package, announced last week by the Australian and Queensland Governments is now more important than ever.
"The funds will provide the boost the industry needs to send a clear message to the world that Queensland is very much open for business.
Queensland holiday information can be found on Tourism Australia's website: www.australia.com and Tourism Queensland website: www.tq.com.au