To support Queensland tourism’s road to recovery, Caravanning Queensland and the RNA, is pleased to partner with Queensland Health to establish a COVID-19 vaccination site at the Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan & Outdoor Show at the Brisbane Showgrounds this weekend from Thursday, October 28 to Sunday, October 31.

Jason Plant, Caravanning Queensland Trade CEO, said with more than 20,000 people expected to attend the show this weekend, the industry is pleased to partner with Queensland Health and provide the space to hold a COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

“The caravan industry, spanning manufacturing, retail and service providers, has experienced unprecedented growth during the pandemic and we make every effort to provide travellers with the information to hit the road safely, now this includes the opportunity to get vaccinated if they wish,” Mr Plant said.

“Caravan and recreational vehicle sales have been a major contributor to the Queensland economy over the last 20 months and now it’s time to encourage those new and seasoned caravanners to return to travelling and support the tourism sector right across Queensland.

“To do this, we’re happy to provide the opportunity for any of our visitors who are wanting a vaccine to get vaccinated at the Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan & Outdoor Show this weekend.”

With Queensland due to reopen borders to New South Wales and Victoria by December 17 and the state hitting the 60 per cent double dose milestone this week, Daniel Gschwind, Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive, said vaccination is the only way to ensure the sector’s recovery.

“The only solution to getting tourism back on track as quickly as possible is to show travellers that it’s safe to travel, for them and for the destinations they’re visiting,” Mr Gschwind said.

“We need vaccination rates to go up in Queensland. The sooner people get vaccinated, the sooner we can confidently welcome people back to our state and to all our destinations that have been cut off from visitors for a long time.

“We’re pleased to see our partners in the caravanning industry supporting this initiative and offering Queenslanders the opportunity to get vaccinated this weekend.”

For the RNA, ensuring the health and safety of the community and general public is paramount to seeing events return to Queensland and providing the facility for Queensland Health to set up a vaccination site at this weekend’s Let’s Go Caravan & Outdoor Show is a step in achieving this.

Brendan Christou, RNA Chief Executive, said increasing vaccination rates together with Queensland reopening provides the events sector with greater certainty moving forward.

“Cancellations and postponing events are costly exercises that have broad-ranging financial impacts not just for venues such as the Showgrounds but also for event organisers and participating parties,” Mr Christou said.

“Increasing Queensland’s vaccination rates are the only way to provide the sector with greater certainty as we move into 2022 planning so we’re pleased to work with Caravanning Queensland and Queensland Health to provide attendees of this weekend’s event the opportunity to get vaccinated at the event if they wish.”

The vaccination clinic will be located in the Ernest Baynes Dining Room at the Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan & Outdoor Expo at the Brisbane Showgrounds from Thursday, October 28 to Sunday, October 31.

For more information on the event or to purchase tickets to attend, visit Caravanning Queensland’s website.