28 May 2008

FROM THE CEO's DESK 

EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR REGIONAL TOURISM IN QUEENSLAND

With the release of the long awaited Network Review as part of the Queensland Tourism Strategy, a range of thought provoking options and ideas have been outlined in the resulting 121-page Report.  TTNQ certainly welcomes the new thinking delivered by the Review’s authors. At the same time, we need to digest and understand the detailed changes required to ultimately achieve much-needed reforms in the tourism supply chain in Queensland.

Tourism is not often regarded as an industry in its own right, so it can’t be compared with parallel industry sectors.  Instead, tourism is an amalgamation of accommodation, restaurant, recreation and transport providers. By its very composition, tourism is sometimes seen as a disparate and disorganized cluster attempting to promote itself as an industry sector.
 
The fundamental issue driving the need for this comprehensive review is Queensland has lost its competitive edge as a holiday destination, not just for Australians, but on a global stage. The concept of rationalizing the regional tourism network into smaller, more manageable yet stronger brands that support marketing both brand ‘Queensland’ and brand ‘Australia’ is a significant step forward. It recognises the need for us to be stronger, more focused and sustainable in our efforts to build tourism and maximizes the benefits that flow into our communities.

I believe there are three key issues which need to be analysed in more detail:

1. In the area of product development, we need a clear and strong policy direction from Government - proactively encouraging innovative investment in infrastructure within Queensland, and at the same time provide existing operators with innovative tax solutions enabling them to accelerate the upgrading of infrastructure and plant.
   
   Some Government policy is somewhat contradictory. For example, the 2025 Regional Plan for the zone outside the urban footprint does not provide for that necessary innovation and capacity building, and restricts the size of any new accommodation for example to 20 units. This isn’t much of an encouragement to private investors to develop new infrastructure
   
   Such an approach conflicts with the strongly-held belief that not enough big product development opportunities have come Queensland’s way in recent times.
   
2. The second key issue is to ensure clarity with respect to the number of ‘destinations’ that will best achieve the best competitive results for Queensland.  Is it five, seven, or nine?  Or some other number? Any more than seven, from my perspective, would be too many. Five is probably ideal.  The rationale for five is that each ‘destination’ would support substantial  critical mass, and still be close to its local community of common interest including local councils and local tourist associations, thus ensuring  accountability to the community as well as to Government for any additional funding Government would provide.
   
3. Finally, there has to be a focused and timely process to move forward, ensuring Queensland – and its tourism industry – don’t miss out on any further opportunities. It is also critically important that the body given the responsibility to under take the central organizational role to provide specialist marketing services and higher level support must be autonomous.  A contract with Government to provide these services will ensure appropriate accountabilities are achieved, but the entity’s independence is maintained, enabling it to link with industry yet not be seen as another arm of Government.

A final word: The resulting new ‘destinations’ must be driven by industry membership organizations that are representative of the community; and at the same time are independent but totally accountable for any funding received.

Rob Giason Chief Executive Officer

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THE LATEST NEWS

NOMINATIONS DUE FOR TOURISM AWARDS & DONT MISS THE UPCOMING SUBMISSION SEMINARS!
All those wishing to enter the 2008 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards must complete and return the nomination form by Friday 13th June.  Please ensure this form is accompanied by a cheque or credit card details for the nomination fee, made payable to Tourism Tropical North Queensland.  A receipt will be forwarded to you on receipt of the nomination payment.  Nomination forms are available on our corporate website. www.tropicalaustralia.com.au/corporate/tourism_awards.

TTNQ held a successfull Submission Seminar a couple of weeks ago in Cairns. Dates for Submission Seminars in Mission Beach, Port Douglas and Tablelands have been confirmed. Please click here to view the invitation and reserve your seat today! RSVP's are essential.

For further information contact Joanna at joannap@alistevents.com.au

TTNQ MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

The financial year is rapidly drawing to a close and with it comes our annual membership renewal period. You will receive your Membership Renewal kit in due course and will note that, after much deliberation, TTNQ has decided to institute a 3% CPI increase on the 07/08 membership fees. Should you have any queries regarding your membership please do not hesitate to contact TTNQ’s Membership Development Executive, Niaomi McSwiney on 4015 1208 or niaomi.mcswiney@tnq.org.au

MEITETSU TRAVEL NAGOYA RETAILERS' FAMIL 19-22 MAY 2008

As one of our joint marketing activities Jetstar, Tourism Queensland and TTNQ supported the Meitetsu Travel Nagoya Retailers' Famil held on 19-22 May. Meitetsu World Travel has a strong retailer’s network in Nagoya and organised a Cairns famil for their main retail branches in the Nagoya region. 18 famil members consisting of 15 retailer staff, 2 managers from Meitetsu Overseas Sales Head Office and an escort from Tourism Queensland enjoyed perfect Tropical North Queensland weather whilst touring Kuranda, Great Barrier Reef, Mossman, Port Douglas and Southern Cairns.

QANTAS CONTINUES FLIGHTS TO CAIRNS
There are encouraging signs that Tropical North Queensland is continuing to outperform the rest of Australia in the Japanese market with the news that there will be no ad hoc cancellations for the Narita-Cairns service for the period up to 23 August 2008.
This contrasts with Sydney and Melbourne, which will lose a total of 11 services during this period. Passengers from these cancelled services will  be ferried to Cairns for their journey onto Japan.

HARTLEY’S A HIGHLIGHT FOR DER TOUR FAMIL

The final function for the 150 German Travel Agents arranged by Dertour, Tourism Queensland and TTNQ was held at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and was considered a highlight by those in attendance.  In total approximately 170 attended the function which began with cocktails and guided tours in Hartley’s new Gondwana Gateway attraction and function area.  It was then onto a crocodile show and speeches, followed by dinner and dancing in Lilies Restaurant.  The agents were the top selling agents for the giant German Wholesaler Dertour and they were strongly encouraged to double their sales to Australia which should have a positive flow on impact for the Cairns and Port Douglas regions.  Many thanks to everyone involved in making this famil such a fantastic experience for these important agents.

SILKY OAKS LODGE WELCOMES CHILDREN
Voyages is excited to announce that children are now welcome at Silky Oaks Lodge, effective 01 July 2008. In addition, children 12 years and under stay and eat free at the buffet breakfast when using existing bedding and travelling with one paying adult.

OCEAN HOTELS APPOINTS NEW GROUP SALES MANAGER

Queensland based Ocean Hotels & Tourism is delighted to announce the appointment of Karen Naylor in the role of Group Domestic and Retail Sales Manager. Her responsibility will be the Domestic and Retail sales for the company’s six tourism businesses – Long Island Resort and Club Crocodile Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays; Hides Hotel and Sunlover Reef Curises in Cairns; and in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, Ferntree Rainforest Lodge and Cape Tribulation Resort & Spa.

GREAT TROPICAL DRIVE WEBSITE UPDATED

TTNQ’s commitment to the self-drive market continues with the completion of important upgrades to the Great Tropical Drive website.  Project director John McIntyre has spearheaded this important update and encourages members to look through the website www.greattropicaldrive.com.au as it is on trial for one month. Please send any suggestions or comments to John at john.mcintyre@tnq.org.au

TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK CELEBRATES 40,000 YEARS OF INDIGENOUS HABITATION WITH EXCITING ACTIVITY CHANGES

The award winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is celebrating 40,000 years of indigenous habitation in Tropical North Queensland; and is inviting guests to celebrate this momentous milestone by experiencing exciting new changes and activities now showcasing at the park.

These exciting new changes highlight Tjapukai’s dedication towards raising awareness and educating guests about Australia’s indigenous cultural, particularly aboriginal traditions connected to Tropical North Queensland.

Exciting additions to Tjapukai’s already extensive activities profile include bush food and medicine sampling; complementary traditional aboriginal face painting for every guest; and the opportunity to try fire stick lighting using traditional fire sticks – it’s harder than it looks!

Tjapukai is enthusiastic in preserving and presenting authentic Aboriginal culture; and as such has integrated locally grown traditional bush food and medicine sampling to allow guests to tangibly experience the culture of the traditional inhabitants of Tropical North Queensland.  

EXTENDED OPENING HOURS OFFER SECRET SPA INDULGENCE TO MEN AND WOMEN

The Spa at Cairns International Hotel is giving spa lovers the opportunity to indulge in late night appointments to relax and refresh after a thrilling day exploring Cairns. Not only for travellers, after-hours services allow guests to balance out hectic working days and help rejuvenate mid-week.

Opening until 9pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, The Spa at Cairns International Hotel offers a variety of therapies that will ensure complete relaxation of the body and mind. Not only for the ladies, these extended opening hours offer men the opportunity to escape the daily grim and secretly indulge in treatments that have been specifically created to combat the wear and tear of male skin.

For further information or to make a booking telephone The Spa at Cairns International Hotel on 07 4050 2124 or visit their web site at www.cairnsinternational.com.au.

SAVANNAH GUIDES NEWSLETTER

Please find attached the latest Savannah Guides Newsletter. There are plenty of interesting articles from members and loads of new resources inside!  The next Communicator Newsletter is due for early September.

CAIRNS LAGOON CLOSED UNTIL END OF JUNE

The Esplanade’s most popular component – the 4000 square metre saltwater lagoon is closed to the public for up to six weeks (beginning on May 19) due to a major overhaul.

“I have been assured by our engineers that the closure should be no longer than six weeks, depending on weather conditions,” Mayor Cr Val Schier said today.  “We can’t postpone the inevitable, and quite frankly this work is vital to the integrity of this popular facility and must be done as quickly and cost effectively as possible,” she said.

Please note the following activities and entertainments will be carried out at the Esplanade Lagoon Parklands over the closure:

  * Fridays every week - Foreshore Friday program 7.00pm - 9.00pm
  * Saturdays every week  - Live Band playing in association with Esplanade Markets  11.00am - 2.00pm
  * Saturdays every week - Live Band playing in association with Esplanade Markets  3.00pm - 6.00pm

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea - Lagoon Plaza Lawn 24th May NAB 150 Road train - Fogarty Park 24th May North Queensland Bras Bands Festival

Fogarty Park 8th June Pak Mags' Teddy Bears Picnic - Lagoon Parklands 8th June

The Fun Free Fitness Program will run as per usual with 12 free activities each week (Pramercise, Walk/run circuit, Yoga, Kids Fitness, Circuit Class, Boot Camp (standard) Sarge's Boot Camp (hard core) , Pilates, Petanque, Yoga, Roller skating, and  Taekwondo).

There are plenty of other activities to enjoy on the foreshore, including a visit to Muddy’s playground; a world class skatepark,  a stroll of jog along the extensive boardwalk; using the barbecues, and a host of live entertainment presented across the precinct.

QTIC REVEALS NEW BUDGET
As you would be aware, the new Federal Government has released its first budget.  The National Tourism Alliance (NTA) has prepared a summary of the key aspects of the budget for tourism. Please click on www.qtic.com.au/files/tourism_budget_summary_08_9.pdf  to view a copy.

CI EVENTS IN TNQ

The CI Events Famil held 16 – 18 May, was a tremendous success with many members hosting this important corporate meeting and incentive planners visit to the region.  Coordinated by the CRCB team and with flights sponsored by Qantas, the CI Events staff from the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane offices were hosted to a 2.5 day tailor-made itinerary that included Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas and offered site inspections of accommodation, attractions, off-site venues and the Cairns Convention Centre.

“Thank you for all of your time and effort to coordinate the exclusive famil for our CiEvents team over the weekend,” said Katrina O’Neill, CI Events National Sales Leader. “The CI Events’ participating team members are now collating their product information to share with the rest of us. We look forward to sending plenty of business your way soon.” 

Rachel Reading, Event Director echoed these sentiments noting, “Thanks for making such a great experience possible for us.  Being able to experience first-hand the fantastic venues and places that the region has to offer makes it so much easier to on-sell the destination to clients.”

KOREA MARKET UPDATE

David Rose and Elizabeth Webb visited Seoul in mid-May as part of the TTNQ Korea Sales Mission.  Seven TNQ operators met with key wholesalers and also attended the Hana Tour Trade Expo.  All of this is to prepare for the upcoming charter services later this year.

For a fifth year, Tropical North Queensland will welcome 12 charter services Seoul/Cairns operated by Korean Air during the months of July/August. These services will operate on Monday’s and Friday’s with 295 seats per flight.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland/Cairns Port Authority in partnership with Tourism Queensland and industry are finalizing a range of marketing activities to attract the Korean traveller.

We have also been successful in securing the partnership with Samsung Credit Card, which allows us to target new credit card applications and provide information about holidays in Tropical North Queensland plus images of TNQ that can be used on newly issued credit cards (eg:  Mr John Smith – credit card will have a picture Great Barrier Reef).

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Carnivale in Port Douglas begins this weekend and offers something for everyone.  Click here to check out some of the events!

CLUBMEA ‘SUCCESS WITH ATTITUDE’ LUNCH
11.45am – 2.00pm, Wednesday 4 June
The Sebel Reef House, Palm Cove

Meetings and Events Australia is proud to host a not to be missed ‘Success with Attitude’ Networking Lunch with Bram Collins on Wednesday 4 June at The Sebel Reef House.  For further information, phone (07) 3286 4977.

http://www.meetingsevents.com.au/branches/qld/pdf/ClubMEA%2004Jun08.pdf

PAICE 2008

The fifth Pacific Area Incentives and Conferences Expo (PAICE) will be held on Tuesday 19 August 2008 at Auckland's Eden Park.  Aimed at New Zealanders who organise off-shore events, PAICE 2007 attracted 200 buyers with a strong turn-out from professional incentive and conference organisers, personal assistants, human resources managers, executive secretaries, and other administrative professionals who organise their company's off-shore meetings, functions and other events.

Date:    Tuesday 19 August 2008
Time:    8:00am - 4:00pm
Venue:  Eden Park, Auckland
Cost:    NZ$1,870 inc.GST (approx. AUD$1,515)

CRCB will be attending PAICE 2008, and invite all TTNQ members who are interested in targeting the NZ market to register for this Tradeshow.

For Further Information:

• Click here to view the Prospectus
• Visit www.paicexpo.co.nz
• Contact Karen Shaw (CRCB) on (07) 4015 1218, or karen.shaw@tnq.org.au

REGISTRATIONS OPEN - CORROBOREE 2008, THE AMERICAS 

Corroboree 2008 – The Americas, to be held in the Malibu Hills, Los Angeles California, from 12 - 15 August.  The event is the premier retail training event to educate Aussie Specialist agents from the United States, Canada and Latin America about Australian tourism experiences. The event has returned to the United States this year making it easier for more quality agents to attend, and it has been timed to coincide with OZtalk North America.  If you are interested in registrating your product/s please visit www.tradeevents.australia.com  Applications close for Corroboree 2008 – The Americas: Monday 2 June 2008. If you have any further questions please contact Jana Stankovich at jana.stankovich@tnq.org.au

CAIRNS SHOW WINE AWARDS 2008

Gear up those taste buds! The annual Cairns Show Wine Awards has a public tasting on Sunday 29th June from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Come along and try all the very best from wines from Australia and New Zealand.

The number of entries exceeds over 1000 with the competition attracting wines from hundreds of winemakers. It is an opportunity to try some unique wines from a variety of boutique wineries as well as the larger commercially operated wineries.

For more information, contact Margaret Oxley on 4042 6666 or sales@cairns-show.com

SELL TNQ 2008

CRCB is currently organizing a Sell TNQ Lunch to be held Friday 13 June in Sydney as a follow up with hosted buyers attending the highly successful Sell TNQ 2006 + 2007 and announce the dates for Sell TNQ 2008 as Friday 28 November – Monday 01 December.  Registration will open in July 2008.

TTNQ CHINA MISSION DATE CLAIMER 

TTNQ China Mission – Northern & Southern China is planned for mid-November 2008, further details and firm dates will be forwarded shortly.  Further information please contact elizabeth.webb@tnq.org.au

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BEHIND THE SCENES

• Two of the VIC’s volunteers were nominated for the Cairns Tourism Association (CTA)Awards for May Sharyn Schubert and Glenn Marsland, Sharyn was runner up for the month and received a special mention award -- well done Sharyn.

• 12-18 May was National Volunteers Week, the VIC staff and volunteers celebrated with a few drinks on the front lawn of the VIC to thank all of our wonderful volunteers at the VIC and the Airport.

• Tourism Tropical North Queensland, along with various TNQ Operators, had the opportunity to host a breakfast for the People to People Delegations Managers Group which was held last Friday, 16th May at Rydges Esplanade Resort.  In total there were 22 Agents along with Michelle Fitzpatrick, Manager - Inbound Groups and Catherine Peterson - Program Manager from USA. 
• The Blue Holidays call centre relocated back to Brisbane (from Singapore) and TTNQ conducted regional training to the call centre staff prior the office opening (Wednesday, 21 May).
• Elizabeth Webb is attending the TQ Korean ITO Workshops in Sydney on Tuesday, 3 June 2008.
• Dion Eades visited the Torres Strait with the Mick Crawley and David Spriggs of the Torres Strait Regional Authority and Glenn Miller from Tourism Queensland. The trip provided the opportunity for the team to familiarise themselves with available tourism experiences and products, to meet with TTNQ members as well as councillors and representatives of the region.

• CRCB and The Cairns Convention Centre attended IMEX, Frankfurt 22 – 24th April on the Tourism Australia Stand – with the first European launch of new brand Business Events Australia. Thirteen Australian convention bureaux attended, as well as two Australian industry partners.  Over 3,400 exhibitors from more than 150 countries attended IMEX.

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• The TNQ section is part of a large Queensland travel feature story which appeared in the Newcastle Herald (circulation 51,000) on 6 May 2008. 
• A story by Chris Pritchard appeared in the Sunday Telegraph (circulation 671,500) on 4 May 2008. This is a result of Chris & Suree Pritchard's visit to TNQ last month.  Note that the story has already run in the Sunday Mail.
• A story by John Wright appeared in the Courier Mail (circulation 221,049) on 9 May 2008.  This story was a result of John's famil to the TNQ region in March 2008.
• A clipping by Christina Pfeiffer appeared in the current issue of Accor Traveller.  This is a result of Christina's visit to Tropical North Queensland late last year and she has just completed another famil this past weekend. 
• A story by Roger Allnut appeared in the Sunday Tasmanian Escape Pages (circulation 60,000) on 18 May 2008.  This was a result of Roger's famil to TNQ last month.  
• A story appeared in the Sunday Mail (circulation 592,440) on 18 May 2008. This story features Tropical North Queensland and is a result of a TQ hosted famil for Liz Johnston in March and was TTNQ assisted.
• The Great Outdoors was in TNQ mid-May and was noted in the Atherton Tablelander. The air dates for the TNQ segments are: Saturday 31 May and Saturday 28 June, both at 6:30pm.

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May 22 2008

Road workers in a small New Zealand town got their wish granted when a woman stripped saying she was fed up with their wolf-whistles.

The Israeli tourist was about to use an ATM in the main street of Kerikeri, in the far north of the country, when the men whistled, the New Zealand Press Association reported.

She calmly stripped off, used the cash machine, before getting dressed and walking away.

The woman told police she didn't take too kindly to the whistling from the men repairing the road.

"She said she had thought 'bugger them, I'll show them what I've got'," Police Sergeant Peter Masters told NZPA.

"She gave the explanation that she had been ... pestered by New Zealand men. She's not an unattractive looking lady," Masters said.

"She was taken back to the police station and spoken to and told that was inappropriate in New Zealand."