Metro Hotels urges Australians to visit Queensland
Metro Hotels
January 21, 2011The Queensland floods have devastated Queensland's tourism operators and left them with record lows for January, even in the popular tourist destinations that have simply not been affected by the natural disaster.
Metro Hotels, Australia's oldest 100% Australian owned Hotel chain is encouraging its large database of customers as well as other Australians to take the time and effort to visit tourist destinations in Queensland including those areas that have been badly affected by the floods.
Metro Hotels Chief Operations Office, Mr George Bedwani says "Australians can directly help the flood affected areas in the Sunshine state by making plans to holiday there in the coming months."
"The flow on effect that tourism has in a community is incredible." explained Mr Bedwani. "Money is spent on accommodation, in restaurants and cafe, at local tourist attractions, in local shops, at service stations - throughout the broader community."
Metro Hotels has three properties in Queensland. The Metro Hotels and Apartments in Gladstone was not directly affected by the flooding however the surrounding towns were, which then impacted on people being able to get in and out of the town.
The iconic Metro Hotel Tower Mill Brisbane was also spared from the flood waters but it is no suffering from a large number of cancellations. "What people need to understand is that the city of Brisbane is getting back to normal very quickly and while it will take years to fully rebuild, many of the major infrastructure is back on line and operating to almost full capacity" explains Hotel General Manager, Graham Marks. "What Brisbane needs more than ever is for the corporate and leisure travelers to keep the faith and maintain their travel itineraries to our great city." he said. "And best of all, every guest can be guaranteed of being welcomed with open arms."
The worst of the three properties affected by the floods was Metro Hotel Ipswich International. Flood waters came within two blocks of the hotels front door and while it stayed open during the crisis, the hotel management had to deal with issues of problems with power and internet connection, food supplies running low, lack of fresh linen, running out of gas and many other challenges.
Metro Hotel Ipswich International General Manager, Alex van Kersen explains how his hotel was one of the lucky ones.
"The city really was hit very bad by the floods and the devastation was unbelievable, " he explained. "Our hotel became a base for the huge media contingent, emergency workers and specialist staff from nearby Ipswich Hospital." Mr van Kersen reinforces the message of his colleagues. "Make your next trip, a trip to Queensland." he encourages.
To book accommodation at any of the Metro Hotels in Queensland you can log on to www.metrohotels.com.au .
