North Queensland welcomes tourists back after Jasper

North Queensland has declared it is back open for business after Tropical Cyclone Jasper delivered a costly blow to the tourism sector, prompting tens of millions of dollars in cancellations.

Rattle N Hum restaurant manager Alannah Micallef said Port Douglas is open for business after TC Jasper has now passed. Picture: Liam Kidston

North Queensland has declared it is back open for business after Tropical Cyclone Jasper delivered a costly blow to the tourism sector, prompting tens of millions of dollars in cancellations.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said the cyclone had cost the sector $2-$3 million each day in the week leading up to its arrival, with thousands of people abandoning holiday plans as the unpredictable weather system approached the coast.

But he said the Tropical North was now gearing up for its peak season with holiday-makers expected to return in droves in the coming days.

4x4s were spotted crossing the Mossman river at Foxton bridge as the water recedes after TC Jasper. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Olsen said the enormous rainfall brought on by Jasper could even be a selling point, with people flocking to see the roaring Barron Falls and the Daintree Rainforest in all its glory.

As of Friday, major attractions were getting back to business with the gondolas being rehung at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the first cruise ship arriving back in Cairns, and boats returned to marinas as reef tour operators prepared for a busy weekend.

Mr Olsen said almost a quarter of bookings had been cancelled in the seven days leading up to Jasper’s arrival as well as about 10 to 15 per cent of bookings for the coming week.

“But we’re still seeing really good occupancy and forward bookings for Christmas and New Year and through January and February.”

Mr Olsen said Jasper had mercifully hit during a traditional pre-Christmas lull.

“If it came later it would have been more impactful,” he said.

David Eagan has returned home to begin the clean-up after flooding caused by TC Jasper, Mossman. Picture: Liam Kidston

“It also still gives people who cancelled a chance to rebook during the school holidays.”

The uncertainty of Jasper’s path meant it was not only Far North Queensland that felt the pain, with operators all the way from the Cape to Mackay receiving cancellations.

In Port Douglas, Paddy’s Irish Pub was already doing a roaring trade, opening back up on Thursday just hours after Cyclone Jasper had passed.

Locals and tourists swapped their cyclone stories and emergency service crews enjoyed a feed with the community relieved to escape mostly unscathed with only downed trees and debris.

Owner Danny Grey, who also owns the nearby Rattle N Hum, said by Friday, things were already returning to normal in the seaside town.

“We certainly hope people aren’t cancelling their Christmas holidays, the weather will be beautiful again in no time,” he said.

Harry Cobb’s father’s house surrounded by flood water in Ingles Street, Mossman, TC Jasper. Picture: Liam Kidston

“The clean-up guys are doing a great job, most of the fallen trees are already gone, so in a few days you wouldn’t even know a cyclone has been through.”

CEO Tourism Port Douglas Daintree Tara Bennett said she was hopeful tourist numbers would bounce back for the Christmas New Year period.

“Our region has a lot of loyal, passionate, repeat travellers and we dearly hope they will come out to support us on our road to recovery,” she said.

“Summer is glorious in the tropics and following the rainfall we’ve had, the rainforest will be glistening, the waterfalls throughout region will be roaring and the trees will have an array of colourful blossoms and we have an abundance of tropical fruits.

“It’s just such a beautiful time of year, it really is a sight to behold.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said North Queensland was robust and well prepared for weather events.

Port Douglas residents dealing with the rain after TC Jasper made landfall. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Cyclones and severe weather is all part of life in Queensland and the speed of which the greater Cairns region is getting back to business is testament to how well prepared they were for this event,” she said.

“We are looking at a strong summer holiday season ahead and we encourage you to keep those bookings and come and enjoy lush and thriving rainforest, cascading waterfalls and everything else you love about Queensland.

“We’ve also encouraged tourism operators to list their best last-minute deals on Queensland.com so if you haven’t booked a summer getaway, it’ not too late to get online and score a great deal.”