The faces behind some of Brisbane's most iconic retail, tourism and hospitality businesses are behind an economic recovery campaign designed to attract people back to the city and boost local spending.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said while a full recovery will take some time, the ‘Love Brisbane’ campaign delivered by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), aims to reconnect people to the heart of the city and drive demand for businesses hit hard by the pandemic and recent floods.
“While we’ve seen a 59 per cent increase in foot traffic in the Queen Street Mall over recent weeks, CBD businesses have struggled with numerous lockdowns and fluctuating customer numbers over the past two years, and now with recent flooding impacts, they need our support more than ever,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Many locals will recognise the friendly faces featured in the first phase of the campaign, from Warwick Vere at the helm of Brisbane’s iconic Rocking Horse Records to passionate calligrapher Barbara Nicol, owner of The Pen Shoppe in the Brisbane Arcade and Dan Gregory, General Manager and chief cocktail genius at The Gresham.
“Collectively, the people behind these Brisbane businesses have more than 100 years of experience and represent the more than 400 city centre businesses ready to serve, entertain and welcome people back through their doors.”
The Love Brisbane campaign will evolve to feature several hospitality businesses heavily impacted by the recent floods in and around the city, including Opa Bar and Massimo to rally local support as they begin to reopen.
“It’s been an extremely difficult time for us with both Opa Bar and Massimo decimated by the floods, but the kindness and compassion we’ve received from our friends, staff and complete strangers, has reminded us why we love being in Brisbane,” said owner Michael Tassis.
“Providing great food and service is at the heart of all our restaurants, and we can’t wait to welcome customers back to enjoy it. In the meantime, our other restaurants and many others along Eagle Street, are open and ready to serve up stunning dishes with the best views over the Brisbane River.”
Cr Schrinner said there were a number of ways to support local businesses to aid their recovery.
“We all have our favourite haunts in the city we love to visit, and there’s never been a better time to support local with recovery underway,” he said.
“You can help by shopping at one of the city’s many great retailers, booking a meal at your favourite restaurant, planning a ‘staycation’ at one of the CBD’s fabulous hotels, or booking a ticket with a live venue, or tourism operator delivering a city-based experience.
“We have a resilient CBD business community who have been through enough these past years so the message that Brisbane city is open for business needs to get out there.”
The Love Brisbane campaign will run from today through to the end of April, explore at visitbrisbane.com.au.
Faces of the ‘Love Brisbane’ campaign: