Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said sunshine seeking New Zealanders were expected to drive an increase in Brisbane holiday bookings the winter, with Brisbane Economic Development Agency launching its latest tourism campaign “Summer’s still calling” in New Zealand.

“Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city which has an abundance of exciting experiences for visitors all ages and interest,” Cr Schrinner said.

“If the 22-degree winter sun isn’t enticing enough, our beautiful city, culture and incredible shopping and dining experiences should entice travellers even more.

“Travellers can leave their winter woollies at home and instead enjoy our parklands, a swim at South Bank and outdoor alfresco dining and rooftop bars in the warm winter sun.”

The Summer’s Still calling campaign will feature 20 per cent off hotel bookings, with the blitz to coincide with Air New Zealand increasing from 21 to 29 direct flights to Brisbane per week, in anticipation for the winter rush.

Cr Schrinner said Brisbane’s year-round sunshine made it the perfect winter destination for those who live in colder climates.

“Kiwis are often repeat visitors, seeing family and friends and exploring the region, so we want to show them why they should keep coming back to Brisbane.

“With international visitors on the rise, it’s vital we capture key markets like New Zealand to grow our visitor economy, support local businesses and local jobs.”

Pre-pandemic, Brisbane welcomed close to 500,000 annual holiday visitors from New Zealand, worth $620 million to the local economy.

Anthony Ryan, CEO of Brisbane Economic Development Agency, said targeting New Zealand travellers for a Brisbane getaway presented big opportunities.

“New Zealand is Brisbane’s biggest inbound international market given its proximity and strong family ties,” Mr Ryan said.

“There is a big opportunity to further capitalise on this strong market by encouraging Kiwis to stay longer and try new things when they visit Brisbane.

“Home to breathtaking nature, tropical islands and world heritage listed rainforests, Brisbane is the best of Australia in one spot and great base to explore our beautiful and diverse region.”

Stephen Beckett, Brisbane Airport Corporation Head of Public Affairs, said by sheer volume, New Zealanders remain the number one inbound market for Queensland.

“Not since 2019 have there been so many flight options to make it easy for New Zealanders to escape the cold and enjoy Queensland's sunshine, providing our tourism economy with a winter boost,” Mr Beckett said.

“During the July New Zealand school holidays, there will be 75 flights per week to Brisbane from New Zealand with five different airline options.

“We’re forecasting 100,000 people to travel between Brisbane and New Zealand during the month of July.

“That’s 76 per cent of the pre-Covid number, so the recovery with our neighbours is actually tracking better than the rest of the world.”

The “Summer’s still calling” campaign is running in New Zealand markets, across online, digital and TV from 1 – 30 June.