Wholesalers will play a big role in attracting visitors back to Queensland as the affect of the worsening floods takes its toll, even in parts of the State which remain unaffected.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council is in talks with a number of wholesalers to develop enticing holiday packages, and Sunlover Holidays has taken the lead by launching a three week campaign in partnership with Virgin Blue, Tourism Australia, and Travelpoint Holidays.

David Gschwind, chief executive of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council told Travel Today that the media has a role to play in ensuring accurate information is communicated.

“By no means am I trying to downplay the severity of the situation,” he said. “But don’t inflict more pain on our industry by punishing the whole state.”

Port Douglas businesses have already been impacted by the lack of specific information in media coverage, along with a general lack of understanding regarding the distance the town is from the affected areas, with a number of cancellations being reported.

Tourism Queensland's website advises travellers "The Whitsundays, Mackay, Townsville and Tropical North Queensland are currently accessible and most tourism operations in these regions are open for business. This includes beaches, island resorts, accommodation providers, tours and attractions."