Tourism Tropical North Queensland conference to give massive boost to the Far North

Blind snorkelling is one example of Cairns excelling at offering tourism experiences to people with disabilities, and a conference coming to Cairns is building on the region’s strengths and winning back its tourism market.

Accessible tourism options - like blind snorkelling - and winning back the international tourism market will be front and centre at the upcoming North Queensland Tourism Conference.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Cairns has been a leader in providing accessible tourism for a long time.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen is excited about the possibilities for growth in tourism in Cairns, as visitor numbers head north. Picture: Brendan Radke

One in five tourists has some kind of physical or mental challenge, he said, and the annual North Queensland Tourism Conference was taking accessible tourism as one of its themes this year.

The other theme is international recovery.

The conference on May 31 will bring speakers with extensive backgrounds in tourism, government, airlines and more to Cairns.

And there’s already a jam-packed calendar of events with an international outlook this year, such as Cannes in Cairns, the Third International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference, and G’Day Australia, bringing international travel agents to Cairns.

Those with accessibility needs might have a physical disability, such as a visual impairment or reduced mobility requiring a wheelchair or frame, or a mental health challenge, such as agoraphobia (fear of open spaces).

“We have just created the new accessible tourism hub, a website that offers access and inclusive experiences in the region,” Mr Olsen said.

“There are mental health trips to the Great Barrier Reef, blind snorkelling, and guided experiences through the canopy of the Skyrail in an individual canopy glider.

“What it means is visitors who are concerned if they have an access or inclusivity challenge, when they are planning their holidays they are looking and can find for an inclusive experience for everyone to enjoy.”

One of the experiences being offered for people with accessibility problems is blind snorkelling. Photo: Biopixel

He said it’s an exciting area to work in as it’s a “broad church”.

“It’s always been an inclusive experience here. It’s in the DNA of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Olsen said.

International recovery is the other strand to this year’s conference.

Pre-Covid, Cairns enjoyed about 28,000 international inbound passenger seats a week.

In 2021, that dropped to an average of 500.

In 2022, it climbed to 5000, and the number today is around 13,000.

“We’re at about 50 per cent of total 2019 visitor numbers,” Mr Olsen said.

He says three important factors are coming into play to help lift visitor numbers here.

Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef. With destinations like this, and recovery funding making its way through to the Far North, tourist numbers are rapidly climbing. Photo: Descent Productions

The first is a partnership between Tropical Tourism North Queensland and Cairns Airport, securing $100m from the Queensland government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, to be matched by funding from the airport.

The second is a tranche of funding TTNQ has just received.

“As of Friday night, we have a signed an agreement for a $15m recovery fund,” Mr Olsen said.

“It has worked its way through multiple budgets, and TTNQ has received the funding, the only region in Australia to receive it.”

And the third factor working in the region’s favour is investment – with the support of the council – in six international offices, which are out promoting Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef around the world.

Originally published as Tourism Tropical North Queensland conference to give massive boost to the Far North