$13m tourism bonanza as 2800 Amway delegates hit Far North
A five-star Cairns resort has imported 2.2 tonnes of kimchi in preparation for the arrival of thousands of Korean business delegates.
A five-star resort has imported 2.2 tonnes of kimchi as Far North Queensland prepares to host thousands of Korean business delegates.
About 2800 Amway Korea delegates will arrive in five waves on 20 charter flights from now until December 7 in a $13m boost to the region’s economy.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said the partnership would help foster Australia’s connection with Korea and boost tourism numbers in the Asian market.
“We are one of the most connected global regional cities in Australia, and every time we bring a business delegate here, we create a new trade opportunity,” Mr Olsen said.
The international business event, a reward for Amway Korea’s highest performing employees, would bring groups of about 500 delegates on four-night itineraries across 22 days.
“They’ll spend two days touring the region and two days in the seminar here in the region, so it is a learning opportunity (and) it is a reward for their efforts throughout the year,” he said.
“Part of that reward is getting to see this beautiful destination at a truly stunning time of the year, and our rainforest is blooming at the moment, and it’s a little bit calmer out on the water on the Great Barrier Reef, so they really are in for a treat.”
Guests will explore the region via 14 Tropic Wings coaches and five limousines that will transfer groups to tours, events and the Cairns Convention Centre.
They will also experience two full days of touring the Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda, the Daintree, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef.
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns general manager Golden Whitehead said the hotel put on extra staff to manage the event’s 5536 room nights, and 2.2 tonnes of kimchi had been imported from Korea.
“Our team is well prepared for this logistic challenge and has successfully managed hotel buyouts with other groups in the past including Amway China in 2019,” he said.
“We brought in about 140 Korean speakers to help and support this event, three Korean chefs that help with all the meals, so it’s a very big logistic exercise for us, but at Shangri-La we do that well, and we’re privileged to have them with us.”
Mr Olsen said the delegation was also a good opportunity to strengthen connections between the two countries.
“Korea is an incredible economy, it has a strong connection with Australia; we don’t yet have any direct flights with Korea, but when you bring 20 charter flights over a 22 day period, you really demonstrate just how much desire there is,” he said.
“So this is a launching pad for future growth for the destination in key markets, including Korea, but also to build those relationships long term.”
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Originally published as $13m tourism bonanza as 2800 Amway delegates hit Far North
