Tourism pumping in Port Douglas and Daintree despite rising Covid numbers across FNQ
The wave of tourists heading to this FNQ town in the face of growing Covid cases has been like “ripping the bandaid off”, and the destination is heaving. FIND OUT WHY
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE wave of tourists heading to Port Douglas in the face of growing Covid cases is like “ripping the bandaid off” as the destination enjoys a charmed run off the back of a heaving school holiday period.
Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree chief executive officer Tara Bennett has applauded local operators, businesses and travellers for not letting fears of increased case numbers dampen another winter in paradise.
It comes as the seaside village welcomed 1500 passengers from the Coral Princess cruise ship this week, and the town pumps through one of its busiest times since before the pandemic.
“We don’t feel (Covid) is dampening the enthusiasm of anyone,” Ms Bennett said.
“It’s like ripping the bandaid off, we are doing it now and this is us living with Covid.
“Like any form of travel people just need to be mindful and take right measures when they are in high density areas.”
Ms Bennett said it was “incredible” how far the region had come since learning to navigate the pitfalls of the virus.
And the tourism numbers are proving it, with the occupancy nudging 90 per cent.
“It’s completely different to how we have attacked it and managed it the past two years,” she said.
“People are just pushing on, so it’s a very different scenario to what was happening when Covid first kicked in.”
Adelaide couple Michael and Anna Wilczyski, 35 and 37, said holidaying in Port Douglas was less stressful than overseas, given the lingering threats of Covid.
It is their first visit to the Far North in a decade.
“You don’t know what is going to happen if you go overseas, and if they are going to change the rules,” he said.
“It moves around every week still, so it’s a lot easier (in Port Douglas).
“We’re loving every minute of it.”
Originally published as Tourism pumping in Port Douglas and Daintree despite rising Covid numbers across FNQ
VIDEO: Fisherman missing near crocodile infested waters
Rescue efforts for a fisherman missing near crocodile infested waters in remote Far North Queensland has entered its third day as police releasing footage of the rescue efforts. WATCH VIDEO HERE.
‘Came up so fast’: Community in grip of major flooding event
Cardwell residents are without power and limited telecommunications amid concern for the flood-affected Far North township’s most vulnerable and elderly community members.