16th April 2007

FROM THE CEO'S DESK

I was a passenger on the recent inaugural Jetstar Sydney-Osaka-Brisbane flight and I congratulate the entire Jetstar team, especially the in-flight crew who were both professional and very charming. I compliment Jetstar on their excellent service that I believe will help make Australia more competitive in the crucial Western Japanese market.

The Tropical North Queensland industry has always demonstrated strong commitment to the Japanese market. TNQ operators active in Japan are 100 per cent behind the new Jetstar flights and are striving to ensure its entry into Western Japan is supported through our extensive in-market networks.

The inaugural flight was also an opportunity to meet with Jetstar CEO Alan Joyce, TQ CEO Ian Mitchell and other key industry representatives to discuss our future partnership and the opportunities for increased access into Tropical North Queensland from key markets. I look forward to hosting Alan and other Jetstar personnel here in the coming months to share their thoughts with us on the markets they service and their vision for the future.

There are so many influences on the Japanese market and at TTNQ we are working to address those that are within our control.

However there are many out of our control, like costs to visit our destination deterring Japanese visitors as has been suggested. We need to understand that the yen has moved from its purchasing power some 18 months ago of 75 yen to the dollar to around 100 yen to the dollar today, and our dollar continues to increase.

The ability to provide more sustainable tourism experiences depends on both value for visitors and a return on investment for the operators.

Rob Giason Chief Executive Officer

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THE LATEST NEWS

OZ TALK NZ

TTNQ's Jana Dugandzic along with 14 TNQ Operators attended Oz Talk New Zealand in Auckland in what was overall a successful event. They held 44 appointments over the two and a half day conference. The group made a great impact at an event party themed "Back to School" as they dressed up as "TNQ Dive School" in their lime green shirts. They also spent a day at Waiheke Island in a vineyard networking with approx 11 TNQ wholesalers. Next year the event will be integrated into Tourism Australia's "G'Day NZ" week 17 - 19 April 2008 and a Consumer Day event on 20 April 2008.

QOT UK NORDIC

Eight TNQ operators and TTNQ's Sharyn Brydon participated in the recent TQ Mission Queensland on Tour UK Nordic which visited media, product managers in Dublin, London, Manchester, Stockholm & Oslo. Agent events where also held in all cities, with the exception of Oslo, with training to all agents followed by a fun interactive quiz drawing on knowledge gained during the training. The mission proved a timely exercise with the continual amalgamation and changes in the UK market, as well as encouraging further growth out of the Nordic markets. A full report will be available on the TTNQ corporate website in the near future.

QOT EUROPE

Rhett Lego represented TTNQ on the TQ Mission Queensland on Tour Europe. They met, caught up with and trained more than 300 contacts from the travel industry and media landscape across Continental Europe with the focus on positioning the Great Tropical Drive, the Reef Rainforest and Savannah / Outback, and an update on developments in the region. Meetings were also held with key product managers where a number of successes included increased exposure for the Region in upcoming brochures. During the mission TTNQ in conjunction with Tourism Queensland and Qantas gave away four tickets for agents to visit the region.

QOT CHINA PLUS STOPS IN HONG KONG & SINGAPORE

Elizabeth Webb has just returned from the TQ Mission Queensland on Tour China where she and 12 TNQ operators met with 70 frontline travel consultants/product planners in SheShan for workshop presentations. Liz was joined by David Rose in Guangzhou where a media conference was held to launch a new website with Guangzhou CTS with the focus on Cairns and Team Cairns activity. Operators took the opportunity for agent training sessions here an also in Shenzhen. Liz went on to Hong Kong and met with key agents who reported strong interest from clients but access posed a concern. Another stop in Singapore revealed that Cairns is being promoted there more as a couples, luxury, romance and family destination, with less focus on the reef. A full report will be posted on the TTNQ corporate website soon.

MELBOURNE CARVAN & CAMPING SHOW

After a quieter start this year total numbers through the gate showed a 2.8% increase in visitors compared to 2006. Many visiting the Great Tropical Drive stand were intending to travel in 2007 and interested in the region as a whole and particularly Cape York, the Gulf Savannah and Tablelands. Popularity for our region is still strong and the Great Tropical Drive map and Australian Geographic DVD's were well received. Adding to the 'drive' motivation at the show were banner images and brochures for the four highways launched by Tourism Queensland just prior to the show, the Great Inland Way, Leichhardt Highway, Capricorn Highway, Australia's Country Way and the Pacific Coast Highway (Sydney to Cairns). Thanks to everyone on the stand from TEK & TTNQ for their tremendous support.

QUEENSLAND CONVENTION BUREAU & TQ MEETING

Representatives from all six Queensland Convention Bureaux (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Townsville, and CRCB) attended a meeting held at Angsana Resort & Spa Palm Cove in March. On the agenda were a report on Queensland Business Events Survey results from the Queensland Treasury, web based method of data collection, Queensland Tourism Strategy (TQ) and the Business Events Development Strategy, information from Invest Queensland, and general trade / industry event updates. All attendees then enjoyed dinner at the Sebel Reef House Restaurant and were very impressed with the product on offer in Palm Cove.

BUSINESS TOURISM ON THE RISE

Preliminary results on business events held in TNQ July - December 2006 have shown a significant increase in the total number of meetings, delegates and delegate days. The Bureau has been actively working with members to ensure that this important data is captured as the results directly impact on future funding received from Queensland Treasury.

Summary of Results for Tropical North Queensland

CRCB would welcome submission of data from any other TTNQ members who host meetings or incentives for groups of 15 delegates or more. Thank you to those members who have given their ongoing commitment and support of this important initiative. Please contact Karen Shaw for more information.

CHANGING LATITUDES IN NORTH AMERICA

All systems are 'GO' for the upcoming "Change Your Latitude" mission to North America with 15 participants which will visit New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. RSVPs for the evening events with Agents and Aussies Specialists are flowing in fast. The mission will have its own webpage connected to the TTNQ site, with daily updates to be posted of each event and you are all welcome to log on and check out the progress of the mission.

KOREAN VISIT AHEAD OF CHARTERS

With the Korean Charters confirmed for July August, David Rose & Liz Webb will be visiting Seoul next week commencing.  Appointments have been scheduled to meet with Korean Air and the 4 wholesalers who are packaging holidays to Tropical North Queensland on these charters. Advertising, campaign activity and other opportunities to ensure these charters are a success will be discussed and actioned. To provide maximum exposure for our Korean activity, 9 TNQ operators will join Liz for further calls from 25 - 27 April. TNQ operators will be meeting with approximately 15 wholesalers during these three days, plus hosting a dinner with Korean media and travel agents.  This is a great opportunity to maintain our relationship and create further business opportunities.
 
For more information contact elizabeth.webb@tnq.org.au

FORUM HELPS US KNOW OUR CUSTOMERS

The bi-annual TNQ Research & Insights Forum included presentations by TTNQ, JCU and the Sustainable Tourism CRC on the latest tourism research including the International and National Visitors Surveys, Local Area data study (tracking visitor movements in sub-regional areas) and the Industry Performance Analyser Tool, and well as an overview of research being undertaken by James Cook University and the Sustainable Tourism CRC. Guest Speaker Jane Mallam, Tourism Queensland's Research Director gave a presentation on brand strength and brand equity research as well as an outline of a major domestic segmentation study which is currently underway.

VIC BOOSTS BTA BOOKINGS

The Gateway Discovery Visitor Information Centre reports they are making bookings for most of the TTNQ members participating in the Book Tropical Australia system. This presence adds further "bookability" to the operator's own Book Now website buttons, and is provided at a lower commission level than phone or over the counter bookings. Payments are made directly into the operator's account for them to then pay the commissions, while customers receive instant booking confirmation. Any members not already participating should contact Ruban Rasiah for more information. Participating operators are encouraged to list all their products to maximise accessibility and bookings.

CAN YOU HELP A FUTURE LEADER?

Billy Colless is an outstanding young man, a strong advocate for Tropical North Queensland and a potential politician. He has been appointed to represent Cairns in the Queensland Youth Parliament. Last year he won the Mareeba Shire Council Junior Community Service Award and he has worked for the PCYC for three years, mainly as a volunteer for the Youth Management Team.

Billy has to raise all his own funds for travel to Brisbane for each sitting of the Youth Parliament as well as living costs and his current target is $1000.00. Billy is a student at JCU and a resident at Cairns Student Lodge, where he is a Residential Advisor providing assistance to management after hours and liaison with students and staff when issues arise. He has been partly sponsored for his Youth Parliament expenses by Cairns Student Lodge, a local politician and a number of local individuals. If you would like to support and encourage this proactive young man please contact Paul Davis, Cairns Student Lodge - phone: 4057 1111 or email: reception@studentlodge.com.au

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IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

DATE CLAIMER TTNQ NETWORKING FUNCTION

Wednesday 16 May, Cairns Airport

GRANDVIEW OPEN GARDEN

10:00am - 4:30pm Sat 28 & Sun 29 April
Grandview Country Retreat
122L Hogan Road Tarzali via Malanda Qld 4885
Ph: 07 4095 1266 Fax: 07 4095 1277

Enjoy a day or a whole weekend in the country. Highlights will include Historic Motorcycle Display, Wine Tastings & Sales, TREAT, Tableland Frog Club, plant sales, & catering by Millaa Millaa CWA. Adults $5:00; Under 18s free admission (a portion of the gate proceeds go to FNQ Wildlife Rescue). Click here for more information.

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EXCELLENT MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

2007 TNQ NEW PRODUCT GUIDE

With ATE 2007 looming TTNQ invites members to submit information on new products, major refurbishments, proposed developments and new tours. All submissions will be considered for the New Product Guide to be distributed at this year's ATE. The 'TNQ New Product Guide' is also distributed to domestic and international retail agents, wholesalers and media organisations and is used as an information source when formulating media and trade famils. Product descriptions should be no more that 350 words in length and include website and email addresses. Electronic images of products in jpeg format are also welcome.

If you would like your 'New Product' news to be included please email your information to helen.laird@tnq.org.au

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BEHIND THE SCENES

• TTNQ held a Board Meeting on 20 March.
• Dion provided the Change Your Latitude brand presentation to Port Douglas & Daintree Tourism, while Rob updated Tropical Tablelands Tourism and Tourism Palm Cove.
• Harry is just back from Tokyo where he attended the Marine Dive Fair and took the opportunity for sales calls and industry meetings. Watch the next edition for an update and photos.
• TTNQ and Team Cairns hosted a welcome dinner at the Mercure Harbourside for a group of over 40 Japanese school principals, escorted here by TQ's Paul Summers to investigate opportunities for school excursions and study tours. Some local school principals also attended.  
• Jana conducted backpacker sales calls in Darwin, Perth & Melbourne in late March. She is currently working on the Cairns Backpacker Famil to be held in May as well as the Change Your Latitude North America Mission.
• Rob attended the QTIC Board Meeting and the RTO Managers Meeting. Rob and Kyla attended the MEA meeting in Hobart which was also the location of the AACB Board meeting attended by Rob and Operations meeting attended by Kyla.
• The Gateway Discovery Visitor Information Centre has undergone a transformation with new displays, more visitor comforts and much more natural light now showing off this lovely building in all its glory.

• Donna and Vanessa have been very busy working up some 15 or more itineraries for media representatives taking up opportunities to explore the Great Tropical Drive and other parts of the region.
• TTNQ attended a meeting of the Gulf Regional Tourism Network.

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ON THE MOVE

• There are several new appointments at the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns. Brad Crump is the new Director of Sales and Marketing, Takehiro Ito has been appointed Business Development Manager Asia, Naoyuki Maedani takes on the role of Area Director of Japanese Sales and Sharon Kennedy is the new Communications Coordinator.General Manager Ed Brea said he was pleased with the new appointments. "It is with great sadness though we see the departure of Agnes Pacis to the Shangri-La Chiang Mai. A true champion of our destination, she has done a fantastic job in introducing the Shangri-La brand to Cairns whilst promoting all the virtues of the Tropical North by working closely with our local partners."
• TTNQ congratulates Mike Burgess on his retirement from The Quicksilver Group and wishes him and Jane all the best for the future.
• Leanne Hall is the new Sales Manager for Success Matrix.
• Cheryl Kelly of The Oasis Resort has also taken on the role of ITOA secretariat and ATEC Branch Manager as Pip Miller steps down after 12 years.
• TjapukaiAboriginal Cultural Park, have appointed a new Key Account Manager for Tour Desks, DiJonne Altis.

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OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS

NEW SECURITY MEASURES FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

The Australian Government's new security measures for international flights to and from Australia came into force on 31 March 2007. Passengers can now only bring liquids, aerosols and gels in their carry-on baggage if they are in containers of no more than 100ml and fit comfortably in a one litre transparent plastic re-sealable bag. Only one bag per passenger is allowed with bags provided at Australian airports for the first 3 months. For more information click here or to access fact sheets on the new measures visit the Department of Transport and Regional Services website.

KEEP LEFT STICKER HELPS OS DRIVERS

International tourists in Cairns have a crash rate almost 150% higher than the state average. This figure is related to the enormous number of tourists who visit our area and take advantage of the opportunity to self drive. To reduce this crash rate and preserve our image as a safe destination Queensland Transport (QT) has initiated a number of education and engineering projects. One of the most successful is the Keep Left sticker designed to be affixed to the (clean) steering wheel centre hub of rental vehicles. This sticker is available in large quantities free from Brian Hughes, the Road Safety Advisor for QT in Cairns: Phone 4040 6375 or email brian.m.hughes@transport.qld.gov.au for advice on the sticker and any other information about Road Safety.

CREDIT CARD SCAM

Local business and tourism operators are being warned to be on the lookout for scam e-mails involving credit cards. Accommodation businesses in Cairns have received e-mails confirming a room booking of a previous enquiry. The e-mail advises the business to debit their credit card for a large amount in excess of the booking cost, then asks for the business to forward to excess amount to another company to cover other travel costs. Businesses are warned not to reply to these e-mails and to ensure that they do not pass on any details to these people. Any information about these crimes can be reported to Cairns Police on 4030 7000 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

KURANDA RAIL EXCURSION TOURS

QR is currently offering 30 minute excursion train trips from Kuranda to Barron Falls as an interim service while works continue to ensure the line is safe for the commencement of a normal service in May. Daily departures from Kuranda Station are at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. The round-trip fare will be only $10 for adults and $5 for children and are commissionable. No 'One-Way' tickets are available. Bookings can be made through the normal process or alternatively visitors can purchase tickets at Kuranda Station. TTNQ congratulates QR on this initiative.

INTERNSHIP REQUEST

Saxion University in The Netherlands is seeking Australian internships for its Hotel and Tourism Management students, most of whom are 20 - 25 years old. They have already undertaken 2.5 years of theoretical training and have completed a five month internship in Holland. They must fulfil a 5 month placement abroad before they can complete their study. This can be done twice a year from September to January or February to June. If you are interested please contact Mr. Vincent Kempen Senior Lecturer Hotel and Tourism, Saxion University of Practical Training, Hospitality Business School, postbus 501, 7400 AM Deventer, the Netherlands or e-mail: v.kempen@saxion.nl

MASON'S TOURS LINK WITH OCEAN HOTELS CAPE TRIB

Mason's Tours have secured the license to operate 4WD Tours from the Ocean Hotels' Cape Tribulation properties. They will offer full and half day 4WD Touring from Coconut Beach Resort, Ferntree Lodge and The Jungle Lodge. For more information on Ocean Hotels and Mason's Tours go to www.oceanhotels.com.au and www.masonstours.com.au

TRAILS ADD TO COFFEE EXPERIENCE

Fresh from celebrating the Australian Coffee Centre's first birthday on 1 April Skybury are about to add three interpretive trails to the experience. A 700m trail will highlight the area's natural flora and fauna, a timber trail inside the award winning building will identify the 30 different timbers used in its construction, and an interpretive centre in the garden will be designed for children to identify all the insects from the area.

A NEW ARISTOCAT

Aristocat has introduced its new vessel 'Aristocat 5' available for day dive and snorkel adventures from Port Douglas.

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SEEN IN THE MEDIA

• These TNQ product featured in The Australian Traveller's 100 Great Things to Do in Australia: Flames of the Forest, RnR Rafting, Guurrbi Tours, Western Cape Turtle Rescue, Undara Experience Opera in the Outback, Wallaman Falls.
• Silky Oaks was highlighted in the Adelaide Sunday Mail recently, in an article which also recommended visitors experience Daintree River Cruises, Wonga Beach horse rides and Down Under 4WD tours.
• SBS series Going Bush featured the Western Cape Turtle Rescue at Mapoon this Wed and on the 18 April features Aurukunand the Aurukun Wetlands Charter boat.
• Reef Encounter was the star of a JustSayGo.com web article.

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GOOD NEWS STORIES

Scoring a review by The Lonely Planet can be a coup, especially when it's a great one! The Hotel Cairns was delighted with their recent Lonely Planet review by Justine Vaisutis:

"Sophisticated and demure - the grand dame of Cairns hotels."

This elegant, whitewashed hotel is something of a visual oasis amid a residential sea. Boasting a gracious, alabaster facade with juxtaposing green palm trees, it's a splash of old-school Casablanca with the service to match. Rooms are discretely sophisticated and furnished with a funkier version of Ikea. Sultry doses of sunlight filter through the timber venetians, beyond which lie wide balconies. Unfortunately the Holiday Inn directly opposite shatters any illusions of water views, but compensation comes in the form of flat screen TVs, DVD players, plump beds, sizeable baths and precious touches like indulgent bath products and quality teas and coffee. All rooms are 'Tower' rooms, except the three that contain marble floors, slightly more space and an additional $20 on the nightly bill. Breakfast is often included. The attention to detail screams boutique guesthouse but it's actually a sizeable composition.

If you have a good news story or have achieved a recent success please send your information to Helen Laird.

Brought to you by Pacifc Toyota Cairns and AVIS Australia - Corporate Vehicle Sponsors for TTNQ

In Touch with TTNQ e-newsletter is produced by Tourism Tropical North Queensland. If you would like to unsubscribe to future mailings of In Touch with TTNQ, please email membership@tnq.org.au.  

While every effort is made to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate, Tourism Tropical North Queensland disclaims all responsibility and liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs incurred as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in anyway, and for any reason.