29th August 2007

FROM THE CEO'S DESK

It’s almost September and that means it’s celebration season here in Tropical North Queensland. It’s an exciting time of year for our tourism industry as we hit our busiest period for visitors and we’re also welcoming all the fun and festivities of Festival Cairns which got off to a great start last weekend. While we commiserate with those affected by the equine flu scare we are hopeful that there will still be plenty of celebrations at the spectacular Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival which so many locals and visitors are looking forward to and which contributes so much to our regional economy.

TTNQ was proud to provide a preview of the Planet Safe Partnership program this week and to welcome Cairns City Council as the first PSP member. You can read more about this important new initiative below.

Thanks again to the many TTNQ members who have already completed their membership renewal for 2007-2008. Your support is invaluable in our efforts to grow sustainable tourism in Tropical North Queensland. If you haven’t managed to return your forms and payment to TTNQ please note that the closing date is this Friday 31 August.

With Australian Airlines officially ceasing operation from this Saturday I once again acknowledge their commitment to Cairns and Tropical North Queensland particularly that of their many staff based here in Cairns. The company made an enormous contribution to the regional economy by providing jobs and direct flights linking us directly with our biggest international market, Japan.

It is good to see so many people are supporting the excellent efforts of Couch to raise funds for a much needed cancer treatment facility in Cairns. You can help too by participating in the two events listed below in our IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS section and I urge you to do so if you are able.

I am out of the office and overseas from now until 8 October. Director of Strategy and New Markets David Rose will be Acting Chief Executive Officer in my absence and both he and our Chairman Stephen Olle are available during that time should you wish to discuss anything.

Rob Giason Chief Executive Officer

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THE LATEST NEWS

PLANET SAFE PARTNERSHIP LAUNCH
TTNQ provided the Board and local media with a preview of the new initiative Planet Safe Partnership, a program which encourages environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism and enables visitors to give something back when they take a holiday. Attending the launch was Deputy Mayor Terry James, representing Cairns City Council as the first member to sign on to the program. Cr James presented the Australian Rainforest Foundation with a cheque for $5,000 which will go towards protecting the rainforest and endangered species. For more information about Planet Safe Partnership visit www.tropicalaustralia.com.au/planetsafe

NZ RTO ROADSHOW
TTNQ participated in the New Zealand RTO Roadshow from 6 - 14 August with the four other RTOs. TTNQ gave 10 minute power point presentation on the destination to a total of 230 travel agents, made approximately 100 sales calls throughout the North and South Islands and attended a meeting with wholesalers, airlines and retail travel agencies. The most popular spots are still Cairns and Port Douglas with growing interest in Islands, Spas and the Gulf Savannah. There are challenges in the NZ market, including the fact that only 40% of NZ consumers are using travel agents for holiday bookings. Discussions were held on whether trade or consumer shows would be most productive.

MICE net SUPPLEMENT
Cairns and Region Convention Bureau is going from strength to strength with the third publication of the Mice.Net TNQ destination feature in the August edition of Mice.Net magazine - a whopping 36 page destination feature on Business tourism, increased from 28 pages last year. The supplement is linked to an exclusive CRCB/Mice.net/Qantas corporate famil scheduled for Oct 07 showcasing the diversity of Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas to qualified corporate buyers, to be followed by a December post famil write up. CRCB also sponsor 1000 supplement run-ons available to participating members as a marketing tool. Brochures will be distributed at all major trade shows and sales missions. Mice.net send the publication to over 15,000 buyers and it is also placed in Qantas business lounges around Australia. The entire destination feature appears on www.mice.net.au with links back to client sites.
 
PACIFIC AREA INCENTIVES AND CONFERENCES EXPO (PAICE 2007)
CRCB and Port Douglas Incentives exhibited at PAICE in Auckland on 21 August 2007. The Expo aimed at New Zealanders who organise offshore events attracted 150 qualified buyers from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. We made some excellent contacts in the industry, increased the profile of TNQ as a business tourism destination and generated interest from those organisers who say that their clients are looking for alternative destinations to the traditional pacific islands and NZ domestic locations.

KOREAN CHARTERS
The final inbound Korean Airlines charter flight from Seoul touched down in Cairns on 20 August, completing the most successful series of charter flights from the Korean capital to date. In all, more than 2000 Korean visitors travelled to Tropical North Queensland in the month from 27 July to 20 August, giving the eight flights an average load factor of just under 90 per cent. On Monday 27 August, TQ and TTNQ's Emerging Markets team hosted a debrief meeting for industry operators who had participated in the charters program to discuss lessons learned and suggest improvements for the proposed 2008 series.

VISITOR STATISTICS – IVS/NVS DATED Y/E MARCH 07
TTNQ’s Research Department is finalising market snapshots and summaries on the IVS and NVS results for Y/E March 2007 this week. These will be available to download from the TTNQ website on Monday 3 September 2007. Tourism Research Australia will be releasing Y/E June 2007 statistics during September and TTNQ’s summaries and market updates for this period will be available end September 2007.

2007 TNQ TOURISM AWARDS - SUBMISSIONS DUE FRIDAY
2007 TNQ Tourism Awards submissions are due this Friday 31 August 2007. Tickets for the 2007 TNQ Tourism Awards Gala Presentation Evening on Saturday 13 October will go on sale soon. All awards enquiries can be directed to Claudia McFadden who is now Coordinator for this major industry event.

HISTORY BOOKS SELLING WELL
The publication “The Great Tropical Drive – an historic journey” has been well received by visitors looking for a different memento of their holiday in the region. To keep up with demand the publisher has stored a number of copies at the Hou Wang Temple in Atherton. They can be purchased at retail and wholesale process by contacting Noelene Mays at info@houwang.org.au

TTNQ WELCOMES CAIRNS POST SUPPORT
TTNQ and The Cairns Post marked the next stage in their strong partnership with an agreement signing by Cairns Post General Manager Nick Trompf and TTNQ CEO Rob Giason. TTNQ appreciates the ongoing support provided by The Cairns Post for the organisation and the industry, including sponsorship of the TNQ Tourism Awards.

GUAM FLIGHTS CLARIFICATION
TTNQ wishes to clarify that the additional Continental Micronesia services between Guam and Cairns mentioned in the TTNQ Talk column published in The Cairns Post on 15 August 2007 are seasonal only and available during January 2008. Visit www.continental.com for more information.

CEO DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Following on from our advice in the last newsletter, the CEO’s Department personnel is as follows:
Business Manager - Annie Riddet Ph: 4015 1201 annie.riddet@tnq.org.au
Executive Assistant - Jo Nieves Ph: 4015 1227 jo.nieves@tnq.org.au
Research Officer - Michelle Pearce Ph: 4015 1226 michelle.pearce@tnq.org.au
Any enquiries regarding appointments with CEO Rob Giason should be directed to Jo Nieves in the first instance.

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IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

FESTIVAL FUN CONTINUES
Saturday 25 August – Saturday 15 September
There’s plenty more in store for everyone as all the fun of Festival Cairns continues this week after getting off to a fantastic start last weekend. Visit www.festivalcairns.com.au to find out what’s on and much more.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
WHK Greenwoods (WHK) is conducting a program of important business advisory seminars and workshops to help small business owners: successfully grow your businesses and plan for the future. Topics include: Plan for retirement; Maximise the value of your businesses; Minimise taxes; and Transition your businesses and wealth to the next generation. The seminars are free of charge and the workshops will cost $165 per person. The first information seminar will be held at 5.30 pm on Wednesday 12 September at the Sofitel Reef Casino. Contact Adam Volcov at WHK Greenwoods for more information on 4052 3222 or email avolcov@whkgreenwoodscairns.com.au

SUPPORT COUCH EVENTS
MASSAGE DAY Saturday 1 September, Cairns Total Physiotherapy @ Sportsworld Gatton Street Westcourt Phone 40513252
CANCER CRUSADE CHARITY WALK Sunday 30 September 2007, Fogarty Park The Esplanade Cairns Flyer page 1, page 2
See the attached flyers for details of these upcoming events organized by Couch to raise funds towards a fully equipped cancer treatment facility for Cairns. Please help make a difference by lending your support.

WORLD FESTIVAL OF UNDERWATER FILMS
Saturday 23 September 2007, JUTE Theater, Abbott St Cairns
The winning entries of the 33rd Festival in Antibes, France will be screened at two sessions only 3:00pm and 7:00pm. Entry $15 per session, for advance bookings phone 0412 290 281.

2007 TNQ TOURISM AWARDS GALA PRESENTATION EVENING
Saturday 13 October 2007
Tickets will be on sale soon for the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry’s night of nights. Meanwhile for any enquiries please contact Claudia McFadden. TTNQ thanks all the judges, sponsors and supporters who make this event possible.

OPERA IN THE OUTBACK 19 – 20 October 2007
Undara Experience is again staging their popular event, Opera in the Outback. For bookings phone 1800 990 992, fax (07) 4097 1955 or visit www.undara.com.au/opera.html  Please note due to the enormous interest in this event there are only camping and powered sites still available.

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 key for 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

BEHIND THE SCENES

• The TTNQ Board meeting was held on Tuesday 28 August in Cairns
• Rob Giason addressed members of Mission Beach Tourism recently and participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new entrance to their Visitor Information Centre.
• TQ’s Kai Ostermann met with TTNQ team members to plan for the upcoming DerTours famil which will bring 150 German agents here.
• Jana has just returned from OzTalk North America so watch the next edition for the latest update from that market. 
• Sharyn is off to the UK for a sales mission and will then go on to Europe to meet up with our German based representative Rhett Leggo and TNQ operators Ocean Spirit, Ros Harries Marketing, Passions of Paradise and Voyages for the Tour de Queensland Europe Launch Mission on which they will meet with major trade partners and media in Amsterdam, Zurich, Paris, Milan & Munich.
• The TTNQ Membership Tourism Advisory Group meeting was held last week.
• Niaomi attended the TNQBHA meeting.
• Harry and Lisa are preparing for the upcoming September sales mission in Japan.
• Harry and Helen met with Queensland Police Service representatives to discuss Japanese and other Asian visitor safety issues. These meetings are to be conducted quarterly.
• There are still a host of domestic media famils coming through with Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and the Cairns Highlands the hot topics of the moment. Recent visits have included the Sun Herald and Courier Mail and coverage will tie in well with current campaigns.
• Liz is off to Korea on Sunday for Queensland on Tour Korea and to meet with Korean Air and the wholesalers who supported the recent charters. Liz is also preparing for a sales calls visit to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong in October.

ON THE MOVE

• Congratulations to new owners of The Horizon Mission Beach, Katrina Knowles and Adam Karras, and new manager Stephen Brown.
• Great Barrier Reef Helicopters says farewell to local accounts manager Lorraine Craven and welcomes former Marketing Coordinator Jacqui Hansford to the role of Domestic Sales Manager, which will cover all domestic sales including local.
  

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OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS

• Cairns based tour operator, Raging Thunder Adventures, has become the first rafting company in the world to add the nationally accredited Certificate IV, Emergency Medical Technician Program qualification to 6 of their Senior Guides involved in rafting on the Tully and Barron Rivers to ensure they respond appropriately to medical emergencies should they arise.
• Mareeba Wetlands was pleased to welcome renowned Japanese artist Mitsuaki Tanabe back to revisit the magnificent stainless steel sculpture of a 19 metre, 10 tonne lizard he created and installed at the property just over a year ago. 
• The new Spa at Cairns International is to be officially opened on Monday 3 September.

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SEEN IN THE MEDIA

• A feature on Cape York entitled The Cape Escape and another Calm Cove on Palm Cove appear in next month’s edition of Australian Gourmet Traveller.
• The Sun Herald recommends diving on the Great Barrier Reef
• Cape York and Torres Strait Islands were included in a special episode of the Getaway program, tilted Hidden Wonders Down Under, a Tourism Australia initiative to encourage more Australians to discover some of the great holiday experiences Australia has to offer. Information on the featured destinations is also on the Travel Australia section of the ninemsn site (www.ninemsn.com.au/australia) and cut down versions of the program’s seven segments will be run in cinemas, on Pay TV and on Qantas and Virgin Blue in-flight entertainment throughout 2007/08. In addition, 500,000 copies of a special 44-page ‘Hidden Wonders’ magazine, will be distributed through selected ACP magazines and through Qantas and Virgin airline seat pockets. 
• Scuba Diving Magazine has devoted 3 pages of the Queensland feature in their September edition to Tropical North Queensland.

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GOOD NEWS STORIES

This visitor from the United Kingdom was blown away by her stay at Rydges Tradewinds Cairns:

Dear Rydges Tradewinds

One word could sum up this Hotel - FANTASTIC! Customer Service - Fantastic, Room - Fantastic, View - Fantastic, Food - Fantastic! This has made my holiday one to remember for all good reasons. I shall definitely be telling everyone I know how fantastic this Hotel is. Thank you for a very enjoyable stay. This is the Ritz of Australia.

Mandi Somerville
England

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

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.