WITH winter around the corner, Tourism Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism will launch a half a million dollar marketing campaign to lure southerners to the Gold Coast during the cooler months.

Tourism Queensland chief executive officer Anthony Hayes said the interstate campaign, Gold Coast, Famous for Fun Deals, valued at more than $500,000, will focus primarily on Sydney and Melbourne throughout May until June.

“This new campaign squarely aims to drive visitation to the Gold Coast during the cooler months of the year and will be promoted through television, print, radio and online, as well as through Flight Centre stores nationally and the company's online channels,” Mr Hayes said.

“Competitive holiday packages will be offered such as stay four nights, pay two, including Virgin Blue airfares from just $355 from Sydney or $395 from Melbourne.”

Mr Hayes said the campaign would remind visitors the Gold Coast was a great place to come to soak up the Queensland sun in the winter months.

“As our southern neighbours start to experience cooler weather in the lead-up to winter we want to keep the Gold Coast's fun lifestyle, golden beaches, subtropical weather and fantastic attractions top of mind,” he said.

“Previous similar Gold Coast campaigns have been quite successful in southern markets with the region showing it's a popular holiday destination of choice for our southern neighbours, particularly Melbournians.

“We expect this campaign will be as successful as previous ones.”

Gold Coast Tourism chief executive officer Martin Winter said the campaign was an important element of a forceful Gold Coast promotional push.

“The Gold Coast is more fun than ever, and as a truly year-round destination there will be plenty of fun had by savvy travellers this winter,” he said.

“This latest campaign delivers great value and variety over a season of brilliant major events on the Gold Coast.”