23 October 2007
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The Latest News - Important Upcoming Events - Excellent Marketing Opportunities - Behind the Scenes - On The Move - Other Industry News - Seen in the Media - Good News Stories |
FROM THE CEO'S DESK
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2007 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards and a specially big thank you to all our generous sponsors whose support made the event and the awards program possible. Once again it was a memorable evening. Thanks to all our guests for attending, particularly our VIPs the Minister for Tourism Desley Boyle, Mayor of Cairns Kevin Byrne and Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, for whom it proved to be one of his last official engagements before retiring, as the announcement of the federal election was made the next day. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners and well done to everyone who took the time to enter as the high standard of your submissions made for a very hotly contested awards program this year.
I do know that there are a number of people who were extremely disappointed that their entry did not get up. Unfortunately there can only be so many winners in an awards program but I do encourage all entrants to participate in the judges feedback session, which has been arranged to allow entrants to have the opportunity to find out from the judges how their submission could have been more competitive.
I also know some of our members are not necessarily keen on TTNQ organising the Tourism Awards, as they don’t see it as one of the organisation’s key functions. I have to say that being part of the crowd on the awards night, the enormous support we get from sponsors and the high profile of the event for the tourism industry in this community are far too important to let such an opportunity slip through. I can assure you that maximum value for the industry is achieved with minimum disruption to TTNQ’s focus on our main marketing objectives.
Thanks to the TTNQ members who took the time to complete our Membership Survey. We appreciate the useful feedback you have provided which will help direct our future planning. While only a handful of respondents raised issues or concerns, which will certainly be taken on board, it was heartening to receive many positive responses to the work that we do and our engagement with our members.
I look forward to meeting up with many of you again at tonight's AGM which will be followed by our last Member’s Networking Function for the year. This will include the all important task of voting in the new Board and I urge you to attend if you can. You can now view our 2006-2007 Annual Report and hard copies will be available tonight at the AGM. Also remember to pick up your copy of the latest edition of our Tourism Fact File.
There are many potential changes for the industry emerging from the Queensland Tourism Strategy and with our new Minister, Desley Boyle, taking on the portfolio of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry. One of the first items on the Minister’s agenda is a review of tourism structures within Queensland includings and the roles and objectives of regional tourism organisations. In light of the council amalgamations this is extremely timely, particularly if the focus can be on promoting Queensland’s destinations rather than our geographic zones, an approach I believe will bring far more long term competitive benefits.
I recommend all members review our Insights section on the website, and particularly drill down on the IVS and NVS figures for Year Ending June 2007. As you know we unfortunately suffered a loss in both international and national figures. International was heavily influenced by the drop off in the New Zealand and Japanese markets, while domestic showed decline in intra-regional visitation and a small drop in the Melbourne market, although after three strong years in the Melbourne market we are still tracking extremely positively. The surprise growth of course was from the Sydney market, which given the heightened competition from low cost airlines and the like, was a resounding result which highlights the resilience of the destination, as well as the success of the Change your Latitude campaign in this market during the past 8 months.
The TTNQ Board’s focus is currently on first time visitors. Discussions have been undertaken at high levels with TA and TQ with regard to the need to continually focus on first time visitors in international markets and not lose our way with respect to a clear and aggressive focus on this, understanding that repeat visitors are already motivated by their previous visit.
You may also be interested in this excerpt from a recent article I wrote on the changes within the accommodation sector and the impacts on destination marketing. I welcome your feedback.
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Rob Giason Chief Executive Officer |
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THE LATEST NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS!
TTNQ congratulates all the finalists in the 2007 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards and particularly the well deserving award winners. Click here for the full list. The Gala Presentation Evening was a night to remember full of fun, festivities, entertainment and excitement as the award winners were announced across 22 categories plus several special awards. And once again TTNQ sends a huge thank you to all our wonderful sponsors whose invaluable support made the 2007 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards possible.
Three members qualified this year to be inducted into the award’s Hall of Fame by winning for the third time in a row in the same category. Congratulations to Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat (Unique Accommodation) Daintree Discovery Centre (Ecotourism) and Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises (Major Tour & Transport Operator).
Click here to view the photos taken at the Tourism Awards which are available for purchase from Gonzo Photo
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UK & EUROPE MARKET UPDATE
TTNQ’s General Manager, Western Markets, Sharyn Brydon and TTNQ UK/Europe representative Rhett Lego, conducted a number of sales calls with wholesalers, airlines and industry during a 10-day visit to the United Kingdom recently. No less than five cooperative campaigns were developed and confirmed with a number of wholesalers to cover segments such as Luxury, Youth Adventure, First Timer, etc. These initiatives, together with the Team Cairns partnership with Qantas & Tourism Queensland, will see TTNQ participate in more in market activity than ever before.
TTNQ also participated in our first UK consumer events for over five years, the Austravel Live Travel Shows held in London & Manchester, which proved a great success. In conjunction with these two shows suppliers were provided with the opportunity for training sessions with Austravel & Thomson Staff. Results from the Manchester event have been released and while by all accounts London was an even bigger event results were not available prior to this edition, but will be included in upcoming editions.
Austravel Live – Manchester.
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TOTAL REVENUE GENERATED (Manchester 2-day show) = £680,450
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AVERAGE SPEND PER PAX (Manchester 2-day show) = £1,550
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Training Austravel & Thomson Agents approx 60 pax x 12min appointments
Click here for more from the UK & Europe trip.
Sharyn Brydon will present a UK/Europe Market Update in the TTNQ Boardroom at 10:00am on Thursday 8 November 2007. If you would like to attend please RSVP to marketing@tnq.org.au
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TEAM CAIRNS (QF), TEAM JAPAN (JQ) MEETINGS AND JAPAN SALES CALLS
TTNQ's General Manager, Japan & Guam Harry Niihori held strategic marketing meetings with Qantas for Team Cairns activities in Tokyo and Jetstar for Team Japan activities in Western Japan. The aim of these meetings was to create and implement marketing campaigns in cooperation with Japanese major wholesalers.
In addition, he had meetings with Japan Airlines, Continental Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airlines to discuss further opportunities for the promotion of Cairns. As a result of the meetings, TTNQ/TQ will support CO trade famils, seminars and conduct tactical activities.
One tactical activity taking place in Nagoya is HIS Cairns conducting a campaign targeting 2000 pax with a 15 second TV CM for Cairns (being aired between 19-26 October on Tokai TV) in Nagoya. Two famous Japanese celebrities (Japanese Super Model - Ebi chan & Moe chan) are promoting a special Cairns/Jetstar product, as attached the TV CM link.
http://www.his-j.com/ngo/cns_cm/index.htm
Click here for more information on the Japan market.
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Click here for more photos! |
SELL TNQ TAKES SHAPE
Cairns and Region Convention Bureau’s signature event Sell TNQ is less than four weeks away and the team is busy managing buyer and media applications. The record number of exhibitors proves this premium event’s growing value to participating members as it goes from strength to strength each year. Those exhibiting are encouraged to remind their potential clients to register so they too can have the opportunity to learn more about Tropical North Queensland’s impressive business tourism capacity.
FOODWORKS DELEGATES ENJOY TNQ
Four hundred and ten delegates plus partners and families were in the region for the Foodworks Australia conference, held here for the second time, with the assistance of CRCB. The group made quite an impact, filling local restaurants on their free nights and making the most of their tropical experience by enjoying the various tours and attractions we have on offer here in Tropical North Queensland.
CHINA SEEKS TNQ ECOTOURISM EXPERTISE
Tropical North Queensland's reputation as the world's leading sustainable visitor destination has attracted the attention of China's top tourism officials with a top level delegation from the China National Tourism Administration coming to Cairns this week on a fact-finding mission to assess the region's leading-edge approach to environmental tourism. The team from China was briefed by TTNQ representatives David Rose and John McIntyre and Mayor of Cairns Kevin Byrne on ecotourism best practice, conservation and sustainable tourism with a focus on TTNQ’s new sustainable tourism initiative, Planet Safe Partnership, which they believed was a major step forward in building awareness among travellers about the positive environmental outcomes from tourism.
One of the delegation, Dr Wen-xue Wu, CNTA's Planning Director General, said Cairns is extremely appealing to Chinese visitors, who saw the Great Barrier Reef as one of the 'must-do' experiences. He also praised Cairns for its ability to manage more than two million visitors annually without negative impacts on the environment.
AIRPORT TROPICAL AMBASSADORS
The Airport Tropical Ambassadors who provide a warm welcome to visitors at Cairns International Airport are now well established in their role. The small team is gradually increasing and we have been very lucky to welcome some new recruits over the past few weeks. Operation at the moment is concentrated on the domestic terminal, where building works and major changes are currently taking place. The ambassadors have been able to help a number of passengers with directions and information. As the various phases of the redevelopment are gradually implemented, they are able to assist with passenger traffic flow and make the travelling process easier, especially for incoming visitors.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Jane Pleeth was the very deserving recipient of the Visitor Information Centre Volunteer of the Month award for September. Jane always goes the extra mile with a smile. All of our volunteers & staff relate well to Jane’s fantastic love of life and her professionalism as a volunteer. Jane you are a star!
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MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
TTNQ thanks all the members who have completed their 2007 -2008 membership renewal and contributed to us achieving higher levels of revenue than last year. We do remind all 2006–2007 members who have not yet done this that as of tomorrow evening’s AGM we must suspend your membership, pending cancellation at the November Board meeting. Once membership is cancelled anyone wishing to rejoin must complete the full application process again and application fees apply. To avoid this and to ensure your continued access to member benefits please contact our Membership Development Executive Niaomi McSwiney on 40151208 or niaomi.mcswiney@tnq.org.au to arrange your renewal as soon as possible.
TTNQ WELCOMES THESE NEW MEMBERS
Buckin' Mex Mexican Restaurant www.buckinmex.com.au
Tribal Travel Cairns www.tribaltravel.com.au
Big4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park www.crystalcascades.com.au
Downunder Farmstays www.downunderfarmstays.com.au
Carbon Reporting & Offset Solutions www.carbonreporting.com.au
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
TTNQ AGM & NETWORKING FUNCTION TONIGHT
The TTNQ 2007 Annual General Meeting and Networking Function will be held tonight, Tuesday 23 October 2007 at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort. AGM - registration & welcome drinks from 5:00 -5.30pm AGM commences at 5.30 until 6.30pm, Networking function 6.30-7.30pm. See the Invitation for more information.
TTNQ MARKET UPDATES
To ensure our members are well informed on the intelligence gained from our various in-market activities, TTNQ will offer Market Updates presented by our representatives once they have completed their sales mission, tradeshow or other major in-market activity.
Coming up in the near future are:
UK/EUROPE MARKET UPDATE: 10:00am 8 Nov, TTNQ Boardroom RSVP marketing@tnq.org.au
JAPAN MARKET UPDATE: 10:00am 30 Oct, TTNQ Boardroom RSVP lisa.monks@tnq.org.au
CHINA & KOREA MARKET UPDATE: 2:00pm 7 Nov TTNQ Boardroom RSVP elizabeth.webb@tnq.org.au
NEW TTNQ MEMBER INDUCTION
10:00 – 11:30am 6 November 3007, TTNQ 51 The Esplanade Cairns
TTNQ hold new member inductions once a quarter to provide an overview of the activities carried out by each department within the organisation and give our new members a sound understanding of TTNQ’s roles and how to make the most of your membership. The next induction on 6 November will include briefings by representatives from the following departments:
CEO - Overview
Japanese Marketing
Marketing & Communications
TTNQ Website
Visitor Information Centre
Cairns & Region Convention Bureau
Western Markets
Emerging Markets
Morning tea provided, please feel free to nominate other/additional attendees from your organisation to attend. Contact Niaomi for further details.
QUEENSLAND TOURISM AWARDS – TICKETS GOING FAST
Tickets are selling well for the Queensland Tourism Awards being held on Saturday 10 November in Townsville. Tickets are available from http://www.queenslandtourismawards.com.au or by contacting Melissa Webster, Phone 07 3535 5375.
FREE MARKETING & BUSINESS PLANNING SEMINAR
11:30am – 12:15pm Thursday 25 October 2007, BDO Kendalls, Cnr Sheridan & Aplin Sts Cairns
BDO Kendalls invites you to attend a free seminar exclusive to TTNQ and PDDTA members to help you develop the road map for taking control of your business. Includes light lunch through till 1:00pm. Click here for Invitation with RSVP details.
JCU SYMPOSIUM & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
26 October 2007, The Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns
The Symposium is presented by James Cook University Centre for Tropical Tourism and Hospitality and supported by the QHA and TTNQ. It will explore the notion that collaboration between tourism, hospitality, and other service industry providers is the key to sustainable regional development and destination management. For more information contact Jenny Walker, JCU Centre for Tourism & Hospitality; Phone 4042 1744 or email jenny.walker@jcu.edu.au To register visit www.jcu.edu.au/fac1/public/business/symposium
CAIRNS CANCER CRUSADE FISHING TOURNAMENT
27 – 28 October 2007, Palm Cove Jetty
Click here for more information about this fun family fundraising fishing event with loads of prizes. Register today and get ready to catch the big one in support of this worthy cause.
| SERIOUS ABOUT OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE? Aussie Host Workshop, Wednesday 5 December 2007, TNQ TAFE, Gatton St Cairns |
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| Australia’s premier customer service training program is back thanks to an innovative partnership between TAFE, TTNQ and QTIC. AussieHost is a nationally-recognised training program designed to upgrade the standards of customer service and hospitality in any industry or business setting offering a course which covers the essential skills and techniques around personal customer service. A dedicated upcoming one day workshop has been set aside exclusively for TTNQ members in the traditionally quieter early December period to allow staff to be released for training. Cost: $195 for a full day [GST inclusive] Includes: Group facilitator and all equipment, Morning, afternoon tea and lunch Participant receives fully detailed training manual, lapel pin and Aussie Host certificate. TO ENROL; contact TAFE on 1300 656 959 For more information or company group workshops, contact TAFE on 1300 656 959 or email senga.greenwood@deta.qld.gov.au
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5:30 – 8:00pm Monday 29 October 2007, Cairns International Hotel
This informative AICD Cairns Director Briefing will include an hour with presenter Phil Dickinson Executive Director Ocean Capital Limited (creator of the Club Crocodile Group) as well as sessions on how to fund a growing business and maintaining and increasing the value of a growing business. The evening includes an hour of drinks & canapés.
$38.50 member $44.00 non-member
RSVP - Phone 1300 730 955
GROW YOUR BUSINESS & PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
5:30pm Wednesday 21 November 2007, Sofitel Reef Hotel Casino
The region has recently been awarded some funding to assist small business owners grow their business and plan their future. Local business advisory firm WHK Greenwoods are presenting a series of free seminars and workshops to local business owners, to provide insights and tips on how they can:
- Have the lifestyle they deserve;
- Maximise the value of their business;
- Achieve an effective business sale; and
- Ensure their wealth ends up in the right hands.
For more information or to register for the free seminars click here
CARAVAN PARKS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND CONFERENCE
27 – 29 November 2007, Cairns International Hotel
The 41st Annual meeting, together with the State Conference, of the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland (CPAQ) returns to Tropical North Queensland for 2007. The talented, varied and interesting range of speakers relevant to the caravanning industry are sure to motivate inform, educate and entertain. For further information, please contact Russell Drayton, State President CPAQ on 4039 1036 enquiries@crystalcascades.com.au or Dennis Berzinski, Secretary, Far Northern Division on 4098 5922 admin@glengarrypark.com.au"
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BEHIND THE SCENES
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Rob Giason and other TTNQ representatives met with Deputy Secretary Patricia Kelly and others from the Commonwealth Department of Industry Tourism and Resources for a two-day round of industry workshops which proved very productive.
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Rob also attended the ATEC/PATA Tourism Directions and Distribution conference in Sydney last week and will present at this Friday’s JCU Symposium and also met with representatives of the university’s tourism department to discuss research issues.
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More than a dozen operators joined TTNQ Chairman Stephen Olle and David Rose to host 16 Chinese travel wholesalers and retailers from Guangzhou and Guangxi for dinner at Cafe China in Cairns. The event on Friday evening saw several new members join major operators such as Quicksilver, Big Cat, and Cairns Colonial Club as hosts.
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Liz is just back from China and Hong Kong and will have more news and market updates in the next edition of In Touch. There will also be a market update for members on China and Korea 2:00pm 7 November in the TTNQ Boardroom. RSVP to elizabeth.webb@tnq.org.au if you would like to attend.
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An Emerging Markets Tourism Advisory Group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 4 December and panel members will receive the agenda soon. A Domestic & NZ Tourism Advisory Group meeting is to be scheduled for late November.
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Sharyn is preparing for this week’s ATEC In Bound Up North famil for 54 inbound tour operators fro all over Australia with workshops to be held mainly in Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. She is also working with Jana on the NZ Mega Famil, Backpacker Famil and Corroboree.
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Donna is busy preparing for the major dive/adventure travel show DEMA which is on 31 October – 3 November in Orlando, Florida, which she will follow up with sales calls. Meanwhile Donna and Tamara visited members Port Douglas last week.
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Harry and Lisa are working on upcoming Continental and Jetstar famils and will hold a stakeholder meeting on 1 November which will be attended by Jetstar and Qantas representatives and Tourism Australia’s Richard Beere. The JTAG meeting is scheduled for early November.
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The CRCB/Micenet/Qantas famil for eight highly qualified corporate end users is on 26 – 30 October. The buyers were chosen from over 150 applicants and the action packed program will give the 36 members who advertised in the latest CRCB Meeting and Incentive Planner’s Guide the opportunity to meet and network with these valuable potential clients.
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CRCB held a Business Tourism Advisory Group meeting last week and are also working on the QBES audit which will confirm the region’s business tourism results for 2006 – 2007.
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They also assisted with site inspections by major mining company Rio Tinto.
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The major CRCB website update is progressing and the refreshed site will reflect the new Change Your Business Latitude branding and the content of latest Meeting and Incentive Planner’s Guide.
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The TTNQ October Board Meeting was held in Port Douglas and included a local networking function.
TTNQ APPLAUDS ACHEIVEMENT
TTNQ Congratulates:
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Board Member Lloyd Smith on his retirement from CaPTA closing another chapter of his long and active involvement in the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry, which will no doubt continue in some form.
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Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime on becoming the first Queensland tourism operator to be certified in the national Respecting Our Culture program.
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ON THE MOVE
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Johan Klindt is the new Operations Manager for Thala Beach Lodge
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Parker Travel Collection has appointed Greg Daven as General Manager Sales - Eastern Hemisphere.
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OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS
- Rainforest Habitat now offers visitors the rare chance of a closer look at the new baby Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo and its mum thanks to the new viewing facility. The 11 month old joey is the first of its kind to be successfully bred in captivity in Tropical North Queensland.
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SEEN IN THE MEDIA
- Travel Weekly recently ran an article titled The Hot Tropics focusing on the many nature based activities on offer in Tropical North Queensland.
- The Northern Services Courier featured a story on the Atherton Tablelands
- Donna Anderson and Stageworks were the subject of Cairns Eye articles on the 2007 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards.
- The Awards also made a great subject for people pix in the Cairns Post.
- Daintree Discovery Centre was highlighted in Sunshine Coast Style Magazine recently.
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GOOD NEWS STORIES
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR A NEW FORMAT FOR OUR GOOD NEWS STORIES AND OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS
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If you have a good news story or have achieved a recent success please send your information to Helen Laird.
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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.