8th May 2007
|
|
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
The Tropical North Queensland North American mission is just over and I participated in the first leg. We were very well received in all the cities we visited and that continued throughout the remainder of the mission. The team made the most of the opportunity to launch the new Change Your Latitude destination branding and promote our increasing range of quality indigenous tourism product as well as the participating product. We have achieved very good growth out of both the US and Canada in the past year and are confident this first dedicated TNQ North American mission in many years will help to consolidate our profile among key agents, particularly Aussie Specialists, and the media. You can see the latest on the mission on www.tropicalaustralia.com.au in the Trade Mission section.
Meanwhile the pressure continues in our key international market of Japan with Qantas flights cancelled ahead of the commencement of Jetstar services into Cairns from western Japan in July/August this year. With this important market already showing decline in visitor numbers for a range of reasons, securing adequate air access is more critical than ever and TTNQ have developed high level partnerships with Qantas, Jetstar, CPA and other stakeholders to achieve this goal. You will see in this edition of In Touch with TTNQ news of the upcoming TTNQ Japan Mission and promotions planned with wholesalers ahead of the Jetstar services.
I would also like to take the opportunity to welcome the new chief executive officer of Advance Cairns, Bruce McConaghy and look forward to working with him as we continue our partnership which aims to promote the economic development of the region.
.
 |
Rob Giason Chief Executive Officer |
 Back to top |
THE LATEST NEWS
NEWS FROM KOREA
Tropical North Queensland has launched a major marketing campaign in the Korean market with a high-profile sales mission to Seoul. Twelve regional operators, along with representatives from TTNQ and TQ, met with local wholesalers and agents. The team also held a highly successful media presentation and dinner attended by travel trade and consumer journalists.
The mini sales mission marks the start of an intense promotion and marketing campaign to support the latest series of nine Korean Air charter flights to Cairns, commencing on 27 July. Four Korean wholesalers - Hana, Mode, Lotte and Hanjin - will be responsible for selling 295 seats on each A330 aircraft from Seoul's Incheon airport. The current marketing campaign is a partnership between TTNQ, TQ, TA, Korean Air and the four wholesalers involved in the forthcoming charter flights.
However, Director of Strategy and Emerging Markets David Rose said TTNQ's aim was to raise year-round awareness of Tropical North Queensland in Korea. "While it is crucial that sales of these charter flights are successful in the short term, Korea offers significant opportunities for our region outside of the charter period. We saw a 30 per cent increase in Korean travellers to TNQ in 2006, and there is little doubt we can become one of the leading overseas destinations for visitors from North Asia. A constant comment from the operators and airlines that we met with was the need to increase the profile of Tropical North Queensland - which is exactly what we intend to do," David added.
 |
TOKYO MARINE DIVING FAIR 2007
In conjunction with TQ Tokyo, TTNQ promoted Cairns as a gateway for scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef and GBR's island resorts at the recent Tokyo Marine Diving Fair 2007. Seven local dive & cruises operators participated including brochure participants. The Marine Diving fair is Japan's largest scuba diving and beach resort exhibition which attracted more than 45,000 visitors over three days.
|
|
JETSTAR PROMOTION IN JAPAN
TTNQ attended a meeting with Jetstar, TQ and JTB in Nagoya recently to discuss the inaugural Jetstar flight promotion campaign commencing this month. This will include a specific brochure, railway station billboards going up in July just ahead of the Nagoya Cairns service commencing in August.
In Osaka negotiations are currently underway with major wholesalers for promotions ahead of the Osaka Cairns service commencing in September.
TTNQ will include a Jetstar Product Seminar in the TTNQ Japan Mission in July (See Marketing Opportunities below).
|
|
BUILDING JAPANESE AWARENESS OF TABLELANDS
Lisa and Harry escorted three major Cairns based Japanese inbound tour operators on a famil of the Tablelands recently visiting a mix of attractions and accommodation. The Japanese market is still not very familiar with the Tablelands area and the purpose of the visit was to familiarize these operators with some of the opportunities and attractions which exist beyond Kuranda. Feedback was very positive and the inbound tour operators were obviously thinking about how they can include the Tablelands area into future planning. It is hoped more famils of this nature will be conducted in the coming months.
|
|
CRCB WINS BUSINESS
Cairns and Region Convention Bureau has secured several major events for Tropical North Queensland including:
National Hash Bash May 2009: Fitness and serious socializing will be high on the agenda for 600 Hash House Harriers from Australia and overseas coming to Cairns for their 3-day biennial National Hash Bash in 2009. Post-touring will cover areas such as Cooktown, Cairns Highlands and Undara. CRCB has worked with the committee since late 2006 and engaged the expertise of the Gateway Discovery Visitor Information Centre to assist with accommodation and tour bookings. This event has an estimated economic value of $733K.
Qld Junior Rugby League Championship 2008: Another win for the region, this event will see around 600 players, coaches and families from six Queensland regions converge in Cairns during July 2008. This event has an estimated economic value of $1M.
AWARD FOR CRCB WEBSITE
CRCB's website www.cairnsconventionbureau.com received a 2007 Web Design Gold Award from the Australian Web Designers Network for the great design work provided by Visual Obsession. The website was launched in July 2006 and to date has seen a massive increase in unique users with nearly 10,000 on average per month. The site is filled with comprehensive information to attract business tourism to Tropical North Queensland.
VIRAL CAMPAIGN AWARD
At the OZCAR Awards held in London late in April STA won best on-line campaign and best marketing campaign for www.MostFun.TV, part of the TTNQ's viral campaign targeting the UK backpacker market. It was commended for effective targeting of its market and innovative use of media. Rhett Lego and John McIntyre were at the awards, along with 190 UK tourism industry movers and shakers.
|
|
NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED
The first of a new TTNQ initiative to welcome joining members to the organisation through an induction session was held last month. Attending were Marlies Gehrig, Bruno's Australien Safaris, Bec Dean, Realtime International, Jan Birrell, Floriana Villas, Clint Thomas, GPS and Toni Jones, CityLife Magazine.
|
|
CONGRATULATIONS PAT KEITH - VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Well done and congratulations to Pat Keith, named Gateway Volunteer for April. Pat not only always provides a friendly and happy smile to our visitor's with outstanding customer service she also willingly helps out with extra shifts on weekends. Pat also volunteers for the R.S.P.C.A. The TTNQ team love having you here and thanks for all your hard work.
|
|
VIC VOLUNTEERS DAINTREE GET TOGETHER
The annual Tropical North Queensland Visitor Information Centre Volunteer's Conference as held at the Coconut Beach Resort on 19 - 20 April. The group enjoyed the various presentations and the opportunity to familiarise themselves with many of the Daintree's tourism operators. Click here for a detailed report from Gateway volunteer Dianne Smith.
|
|
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
TTNQ MEMBERS NETWORKING FUNCTION
Wednesday 16 May, Cairns International Airport
Please click here for your invitation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Nominations are now open for the 2007 Queensland Tourism Awards, with industry being urged to nominate early. Nominees are also recommended to attend seminars, being held in most regions, to learn about changes to the submission process. To locate a seminar in your area, please contact your Regional Tourism Organisation. A DVD will be made available in late May/early June for those unable to attend and can be ordered by emailing Tatiana Wickham. Nominations for the Queensland Tourism Awards close on Friday, 1 June 2007 (during ATE). For further information please contact Kym Stephenson.
INFO SESSION - PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE AT NO COST
2:00pm Monday 14 May 2007, Sea Temple Resort & Spa Port Douglas
10:30am Tuesday 15 May 2007, Sofitel Reef Casino, Cairns
Tourism Queensland, in partnership with TTNQ, extend an open invitation to Tropical North Queensland tourism operators to attend this information session on how to market online at no cost and to discover the benefits of membership with your Regional Tourism Organisation. Click here for more information and RSVP details.
8:30am - 1:00pm Tuesday 22 May 2007, Cairns Colonial Club
Austrade presents this free half-day seminar which will provide an update on the ever-growing market opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. Click here for more information.
D-DAY - THE TOURISM EXPO (TAFE)
16 - 18 May 2007, Brisbane
Brisbane North Institute of TAFE is holding this two and a half day tourism expo to highlight new destinations and future directions in the tourism industry to young people who may be interested in a career in the industry. This years' focus is the promotion of Queensland regional tourism product with the 'Tropical North' as the major region. If you are interested in playing a part in this event to build tourism education in Queensland contact: tropicaltemptations.dday@gmail.com
10:00am - 1:00pm, Thursday 10 May 2007, Cairns City Council
This is an opportunity to hear how local businesses have improved their bottom line by implementing eco-efficient initiatives, doing more with less water, energy and materials. Click here for more information.
REEF FORUM
6:00pm Thursday 10 May, Port Douglas Community Hall
This forum will discus potential impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef. Click here for details.
7:30pm 8 May 2007, Mission Beach Resort, Rainforest Room
For more information contact: Phone: (61) 07 4068 7066
info@missionbeachtourism.com
MEMENTO AWARDS 2007
Entries are now open for The Memento Australia Awards 2007. The Awards promote artists, craftspeople and designers who create innovative mementos for the tourism and retail gift markets that reflect the spirit of Australia, and assist suppliers and retailers to profit from an Australian tourism gift market worth $700 million per annum. Memento winners will share in a prize pool valued at over $30,000, receive national media exposure and have the opportunity to link with stockists and retail outlets. Entries close Tuesday, 31 July 2007. Click here for Entry Form. For more information, go to www.mementoaustralia.com
Three of Tropical North Queensland's biggest events are coming up so be sure to mark these dates in your diary:
Reef and Rainforest CARNIVALE 18 - 27 May 2007
Including A Taste of Port 5pm - 11pm, 26 May, Rex Smeal Park. For bookings phone Events NQ 4053 9112, or visit www.foodandwinenq.com.au
FESTIVAL CAIRNS 25 August - 15 September 2007
LAURA DANCE FESTIVAL 22-24 June 2007
This colourful celebration brings together various communities from across Cape York for a weekend of indigenous dance, music and culture. A new website managed by the Quinkan Regional Cultural Centre has been launched for the event with online bookability available via Book Tropical Australia. The first online booking for the Festival was received just a few hours after the functionality was installed on the website. Visit www.laurafestival.tv
ACCOMMODATION & HOSPITALITY TRADESHOW
The Far North Professional Housekeeper Network is holding its annual trade show on 17 May 2007 at the Cairns Convention Centre to give business people from around Australia the opportunity to present their products to the Tropical North Queensland hospitality sector. Click here for more information.
From 10:30am Monday 4 June 2007, Half Moon Bay Golf Club
(Please note change of date due to ATE)
Teams are invited to register for this event which is part of the Japan Festival 27 May - 2 June 2007 with all profits contributing to an AJS scholarship to send a Cairns high school student to study for 5weeks in our sister city Oyama, Japan. For bookings contact Peter Douglas, Half Moon Bay Golf Club, Ph: 4055 7884 or admin@halfmoonbaygolf.com.au. For more information contact Mika Fujii Phone 4041 0161 or Cqla@aol.com
ONCOLOGY UNIT SOUGHT
Recently launched by Charles and Pip Woodward of CaPTA is the Committee for an Oncology Unit at Cairns Hospital. The group will hold a Media Launch and Information Briefing 2:00 - 3:30pm Sat 16 June at Sheridan Plaza Hotel. For more information contact couch@capta.com.au or phone 4041 9439.
| Back to top |
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 before Friday 11 May.
TTNQ JAPAN MISSION
The TTNQ Japan Mission will be held 9 - 14 July going to Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, with the main focus on the latter two cities ahead of the commencement of Jetstar services from these points into Cairns. For more information contact Lisa Monks.
QUEENSLAND ON TOUR - KOREA
Tourism Queensland is inviting expressions of interest from product for the Queensland on Tour - Korea 2007. The tour will be held from 5 - 7 September 2007 and includes the cities of Seoul and Pusan, at a cost of about $5500. Please contact Elizabeth Webb at TTNQ Applications close Friday, 27 July 2007.
INDIA TRAVEL MISSION 2007
Tourism Australia is organising the India Travel Mission 2007 to be held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India from 10 to 14 September 2007. More details will be released by mid-May. Enquiries can be directed to Elizabeth Webb.
LAST CHANCE TO EXHIBIT AT SELL TNQ
Sell TNQ November 2007 is shaping up to be a fantastic event with an excellent response from TTNQ members wishing to exhibit. Targeting decision makers in the business tourism industry, Sell TNQ will showcase our region as an exciting, affordable and unique business tourism destination. The 3 day program will include a full day of one-on-one workshops where all buyers meet all exhibitors, in addition to several networking event opportunities. Members who have submitted an expression of interest will be invited to a briefing session in the coming months, before final booking and payment is required. For any TTNQ member who would still like to submit an expression of interest please contact Karen Shaw.
DOMESTIC ROADSHOW
TTNQ is holding a Domestic Roadshow targeting retail agents and sholesalers in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane 16 - 27 July 2007. If there is enough interest from members the Roadshow may be extended to include some stops in regional NSW and VIC. Send your Expression of Interest to Elizabeth.webb@tnq.org.au or contact Liz if you require more information.
| Back to top |
BEHIND THE SCENES
- Liz and David attended the ATEC Symposium on the Tweed Coast, before setting off for Korea for the TNQ sales mission.
- Lisa will participate in an International Study Tourism Industry Roundtable being held in Cairns tomorrow, by TQ in partnership with Queensland Education and Training International, Study Cairns and TTNQ.
- TQ is at present finalising the details of the agents ATE familiarisations. For those members who offered famils TTNQ will start organising the itineraries in the coming week.
- Vanessa and Donna organized a Great Tropical Drive famil for UK media representatives and escorted them on some of their itinerary, including a visit to Undara Experience.
|
|
TTNQ APPLAUDS ACHIEVEMENTSCongratulations to:
|
ON THE MOVE
- Bruce McConaghy is the new chief executive officer of Advance Cairns.
- Camilla Nicholson and Jenny Ball are the new Events Coordinators at the Cairns International Hotel and Antonia Della Bosca is the new Restaurant Manager for Cafe Coco.
- Sharee Verdon replaces Catie Peters as Business Development Manager, Domestic & North America at Livingston Tourism Marketing.
- 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.
- Rydges Hotels & Resorts announce four new appointments in their TNQ properties:
Simon White - Area General Manager, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Jason Patterson - Hotel Manager, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
David Pearson - General Manager, Rydges Tradewinds Cairns
Shane Edwards - General Manager, Rydges Plaza Cairns
Kellie Eustace - General Manager, Rydges Sabaya Resort Port Douglas, which opens 27 June 2007. - Glen Fawcett has joined Koolivoo as Director of Sales and Marketing.
- Raging Thunder Adventures currently has an opportunity for the position of Senior International Sales and Marketing Manager. Please forward all enquiries and/or applications to karien@ragingthunder.com.au
- HOT AIR CAIRNS & PORT DOUGLAS says farewell to GM Craig Priddle who is leaving the company after 12 years of dedicated service and valuable contribution. HOT AIR is seeking a new General Manager, based in Cairns to work with the Managing Director & the HOT AIR team. Details at www.hotair.com.au/GM
| Back to top |
OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS
KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY BACK ON TRACK
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is operational again after an extended maintenance closure, commenced on 1 May with a daily 8:30/8:55am service ex Cairns/Freshwater and returning from Kuranda at 3:30pm. Queensland Rail thanks the TNQ tourism industry for their support of the short excursion service to Barron Falls, but advises this has now ceased with the recommencement of the main service. Twice daily services are expected to recommence from 1 July.
SKYRAIL MAINTENANCE CLOSURE
Skyrail isclosed 5 - 20 May for its regular maintenance period, as earmarked some 12 months ago. This work has been carefully scheduled to minimize impacts on clients.
AUSSIEHOST IS BACK
The recently re-launched AussieHost Customer Service Program, supported by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Australian Retailers Association (ARA NSW), is driving businesses toward a refocus on customer service. The AussieHost mission is to create a culture of service excellence within Australia, whilst contributing to every Australian's opportunity to achieve personal, professional and commercial significance. To become an AussieHost Business, an organisation must commit at least 50% (Bronze) 70% (Silver) or 90% (Gold) of all staff (full time & part time) to training through AussieHost. This nationally recognised, two day, customer service training program that focuses on interpersonal communications, customer relations and service is proposed in Cairns 24 and 25 May 2007. For further information contact The AussieHost Team: Karen Green on Tues/Fridays or Kim Harrington, QTIC on (07) 3236 1445, Email: aussiehost@qtic.com.au or visit www.qtic.com.au
NATIONAL CONVENTION PUSH
The Cairns Convention Centre has joined forces with other convention centres and convention organisations in Australia to create Conventions Australia which aims to help tap a greater share of the lucrative international meetings industry. The group will mount an initial three-year marketing campaign involving advertising, direct mail, an integrated website and public relations.
ENDEAVOUR PRO ABILITY
Do you need stickers applied to your brochures, mail outs, conference satchels packed or any other process work carried out? TTNQ encourages members to take advantage of these and many other services available through Endeavour Pro Ability. For more information contact Peter Rooke or James Adam on 4035 2886.
| Back to top |
SEEN IN THE MEDIA
- The Great Tropical Drive undertaken by New Zealand journalist Fergus Blakiston resulted in this New Zealand Herald story on Cooktown and surrounds, while Isabelle Oderberg, also from the New Zealand Herald, enjoyed our reef, rainforest and delicious seafood.
- This Courier Mail article featured Port Douglas and promoted Carnivale.
- The fascination with the crocodiles of Tropical North Queensland continues with this Courier Mail article.
- The Ultimate Travel website featured Coral Princess Cruises recently. The first episode of the new Foxtel Australian travel show, Travel TV also featured Coral Princess and the Savannahlander rail tour.
- The Cairns to Cooktown stretch of the Great Tropical Drive features in the mid-year issue of Holidays for Couples.
- Watch for plenty of Tropical North Queensland coverage in the Getaway Queensland Special going to air on 12 May, including the Great Tropical Drive from Port Douglas to Mareeba as well as Mount Mulligan and Cairns.
| Back to top |
GOOD NEWS STORIES
GBR Helicopters & Starlight Children's Foundation Australia helped put a smile on a little boy's face recently:
Gorgeous 5 year old boy - Joshua - in remission from liver cancer, enjoyed a holiday in our wonderful Tropical North Queensland recently - arranged by the Starlight Children's Foundation Australia. GBR Helicopters were proud to sponsor little Joshua and his family on a memorable flight over Cairns, where our pilot Johanna promoted Joshua to be her co-pilot! All were suitably impressed by his skills and definitely a pilot in the making! His beaming smile left an everlasting impression...
|
|
|
|
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.