Tourism operators are hoping the Easter bunny will boost tourism over the holiday season

Tourism operators on the Gold Coast are hopeful the extension of the school holidays in Queensland will see larger visitor arrivals to the Sunshine Coast.

Gold Coast Tourism chief executive Martin Winter said the regions tourism operators and businesses are optimistic that numbers to the Coast will be positive.

“New products, popular events and a return to good weather is driving strong lead-in bookings at most levels," Mr Winter said.

"Operators are anticipating last-minute and short-lead visitors to push visitation into levels above the same time last year."

Tourism Queensland chief executive Anthony Hayes said the extension of school holidays may result in longer holiday bookings.

"The industry celebrated a solid start to 2012 and we're ready and waiting to give visitors a fantastic Easter break," Mr Hayes said.

"Initial feedback suggests just as many Aussies will cash in their stockpiled annual leave in Queensland this Easter compared with last year.

Mr Hayes added that around five million Queenslanders chose to holiday at home in 2011, which is higher than the number recorded in 2010.

Despite the optimism by tourism bodies, local industry insiders warn that the number of holiday makers the region will draw is still uncertain.

Tourism Consultant Mike Jones said hotel insiders advised him the domestic market has been slow this year.