Cairns Aquarium finally busy again as forward bookings lift tourism optimism

One key piece of data has tourism operators optimistic they may finally catch a break as they take on aggressive marketing tactics to beat the pack.

STRONG forward bookings have tourism operators optimistic they may finally catch a break as they take on aggressive marketing tactics to beat the pack.

Cairns Aquarium CEO Daniel Leipnik said the attraction had recorded a marked uplift in visitors with the return of interstate group visits, school trips and corporate functions.

“We’re also seeing just a small amount of international tourists coming through every single day,” he said.

“The numbers flying into Australia are still very low but we are seeing some international visitors every day.

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“But the most positive thing we’re seeing is very significant forward bookings right through to December.

“A lot of people from interstate are planning trips in advance.”

Mr Leipnik said the business had ramped up its sales and marketing efforts with agents, wholesalers and inbound tour operators across the country.

“We’ve been incredibly proactive in promoting not only our attraction, but also our destination,” he said.

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CaPTA Group sales and marketing director Ben Woodward said February and March had been soft, as anticipated, and tourists seemed to be more content hanging around town or lounging by the pool than on tours or at attractions.

However, there was a silver lining.

“We remain positive that hotels are reporting very strong forward bookings from the April school holidays onwards as we approach our first peak domestic season with all state borders open and minimal restrictions in place, hopefully restoring and maintaining consumer confidence,” Mr Woodward said.

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Originally published as Cairns Aquarium finally busy again as forward bookings lift tourism optimism