The Queensland Tourism Industry Council is calling out meteorologists for being too downcast and is calling for a more positive spin on daily weather forecasts.
The Council wants the Bureau of Meteorology to be more upbeat and replace forecasts like ‘partly cloudy’ with ‘mostly sunny’ or ‘chance of rain’ with ‘likely sunny.’
“Weather messaging has a significant impact on weekend, spontaneous and day-trip travel plans,” said QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind.
“We prefer the ‘glass half full’ option when it comes to weather reporting – for example, ‘mainly sunny’ is more encouraging to domestic travellers than ‘chance of rain’.”
Due to high temperatures and long dry spells, Gschwind said rain showers are a good thing and should be portrayed as such.
“Rain in Queensland doesn’t have the same implications as the northern hemisphere. I don’t think it should be framed in a bad way. It could even be described as a ‘cooling down shower’ or something.”
University of Queensland tourism expert Dr Pierre Benckendorff said the actual wording used in forecasts can make a big difference.
“We certainly see a downturn in occupancy at hotels and visitation at attractions when the weather forecast is less favourable. ‘Partly cloudy’ or ‘overcast’ does not tell tourists a lot,” he said.
“More positive language that would still inform other industries without spooking tourists would certainly help. Unfavourable forecasts certainly impact on day trippers, possibly impact on short-stay visits but are unlikely to impact on long-haul visitors from interstate or overseas.”
