How Cairns can reclaim its $1bn post-pandemic mojo
Australian and international tourism leaders gathered in the Far North to talk about the post-pandemic recovery, and a major event was announced to revamp tourism in the region.
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MOVERS and shakers in Australian and global tourism have gathered in Cairns to plan the revival of our $1bn industry.
About 180 guests met at the Cairns Pullman International Hotel for My Queensland TNQ Tourism Conference 2022 with an optimistic buzz about the future after the pandemic’s impact on travel.
The Far North will receive another boost with the announcement of the Meeting Place, a business-to-business event for tourism leaders and decision-makers, will be held at Cairns Convention Centre in November.
Australian Tourism Export Council managing director Peter Shelley, said Meeting Place was a vital part of the industry supply chain where tourism suppliers showcase products to influential tourism distributors who promote their offering to international markets.
“As we begin the road back to industry success, Meeting Place provides an important platform for tourism products to profile what’s new and what’s changed in the two years our borders were closed,” he said.
“One of the highlights is that we have about 100 international buyers attending.”
He said businesses wanting to re-engage with high value international markets must understand market changes.
“It will help drive future growth and support the rebuild of our $45bn export industry,” he said.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said hosting the ATEC Meeting Place 2022 would promote the destination to inbound tour operators to help reclaim the region’s $1bn a year export industry.
“Today we'll hear what market research tells us about what the post-pandemic traveller is looking for,” he said.
Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said ATEC Meeting Place was estimated to generate $1.5m for the Far North’s visitor economy.
Thursday’s gathering at the Pullman International put the spotlight on Far North operators from across the industry.
Ignite Travel Group CEO Ryan Thomas said in its New Zealand market, the Far North was now their second biggest destination.
“I really want to showcase the opportunity there for TNQ and Cairns,” he said.
Yungaburra Private Tours operator Karl Buderus stood out in a shirt tailored from local tea-towels.
“I’m here to be up to date about the industry,” he said.
DFS Australia assistant general sales manager Cairns May Poon said she and her colleague Irene Yeh attended to gain valuable market insight.
“Our store has reopened and we want to understand how the tourism markets have changed so we can help people return to Cairns,” Ms Poon said.
Guest speakers included representatives from Tourism Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland, Singapore Airlines, along with inbound agents, online travel agents, wholesale and award-winning tourism businesses.
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