16th June 2008

Never underestimate what can be achieved in a week when you have the right people on your side.

Further to the 100 percent support and dedication of Tourism Minister and local member for Cairns, Desley Boyle, I would also like to acknowledge the financial commitment of $4 million made this week in Brisbane by the Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson, to complement the $4 million from the Queensland Government.

Through this funding the Australian Government has acknowledged the severity of the impact from the loss of air capacity from Japan to Cairns and is providing an initial assistance package for our industry.

Following the announcement Geoff Buckley, Managing Director Tourism Australia, quickly joined us in Cairns to meet with 26 TNQ industry operators, Cairns Regional Mayor and CEO of Cairns Regional Council, to appraise us all of the discussions that brokered the deal. We thank Geoff for that opportunity.

TA recognises the status of Cairns as a significant destination and its need to be kept sustainable, and will now realign their budgets accordingly.

The Federal Tourism Minister is clear the money should be used for promotional activities. This prompted detailed discussion surrounding the branding and advertising of Australia in overseas markets. It was agreed by those present that more focus needs to be given to the Great Barrier Reef in TNQ, State, National and international advertising and promotional campaigns.

Moving forward - a working group will drive a long term strategy with a clear set of targets of opportunities outside Japan (China/Korea/India) and difficult markets (UK, Europe, NZ) will be prioritised.

We’ve already received positive news this past weekend as Air New Zealand announced they will increase their flights from Cairns/Auckland to four weekly beginning in November.  Even better is the daylight flight departure times which will provide better connectivity to North American services along with Asian and domestic routes.

The short term solution is to pursue additional charters and other airline operators from Japan and China. Building on TA airline relationships, we will continue discussions with Emirates, Singapore Airlines, JAL and Jetstar International and move to leverage relationships with Cathay Pacific, Tiger Airways, Air Asia X, and Korean Airlines on the Japan/Singapore/Cairns and Japan/Hong Kong/Cairns routes. New strategies are essential, particularly to ensure retention of the school excursion market. The major review of aviation is currently being undertaken and will hopefully lead to positive changes.

I must thank everyone involved for their quick actions and hard work over the last 10 days.  We are already making headway but there is still much to do.

This week many of us are in Perth at ATE, an opportunity for TTNQ to drive meetings to develop a planning team structure with a destination focus, and commence discussion with stakeholders. I am confident it will be a productive week.

CAIRNS COLONIAL CLUB RESORT’S 147 RESORT ROOMS NOW COMPLETE

The Cairns Colonial Club Resort’s new resort rooms are ready to welcome guests with a new and unprecedented level of comfort and technology.  Major changes include new paintwork, carpet, beds, bed linen, artwork, air conditioning, furniture, lighting, 32” LCD Television, new telephone system and window treatments.

“We are thrilled with the results which have exceeded our expectations to deliver rooms that are not just refreshed, but feature a totally new look and feel. 

“With the room refurbishment program resuming immediately to upgrade the balance of accommodation (79 studio and 50 colonial rooms), it won’t be long before Cairns Colonial Club Resort showcases a high quality and contemporary standard of accommodation across all configurations,” he said.

The studio rooms will commence first with an anticipated completion by the end of September while the colonial rooms will be finished by the end of November 2008.

To find out more, visit the website: www.cairnscolonialclub.com.au

TTNQ MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Membership renewal kits have been posted and a big thank you to our very first member to renew this year - Export Grant Professionals!  All membership renewal kits were posted 02 June, if you have not received your kit, or wish to discuss anything relating to your membership please contact Niaomi McSwiney.

Thank you to all members who have paid their membership renewal, you will receive your thank you letter & membership sticker etc in the post shortly.

CASTAWAYS COMPLETES MAJOR UPGRADE -- Win a $5000 Residential Conference Package and $5000 Classic Wedding Package

Castaways Resort on Mission Beach, managed by Rydges Hotels and Resorts, has entered a new era having just completed a $1 million upgrade to its award-winning accommodation and the unveiling next month of its state-of-the-art conference facility, Palms.

To celebrate the opening of the Palms Conference and Events Centre, Castaways on Mission Beach is giving away a two day residential conference valued at approximately $5000 and a classic wedding package for 60 guests valued at $5000.

The Residential Conference prize is based on a two day conference for 20 delegates and includes a day delegate package, dinner in Cblu Restaurant, twin-share accommodation, breakfast and team building beach activity.

All conference bookings made between now and Thursday 31 July, 2008 will automatically qualify for the draw.

For more information about Castaways on Mission Beach, or to make a booking, visit www.rydges.com/castaways, or call the resort direct on (+61) 07 4068 7444 or central reservations within Australia on 1300 857 922.

Click here for more information

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOUR GOES TO UNDARA’S GERRY COLLINS

Undara’s Gerry Collins has been recognised on this years Australia Day honours list and was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia medal over the long weekend. This honour is reflective of his achievements throughout the pastoral and tourism industries over a 50 year career.

Some of Gerry’s major achievements include:

• Established Undara Experience in 1990
• Has played a key role in the development of the highly successful Savannah Guides organisation.
• Gerry was a committee member of the Far Nth Qld Amateur Turf Club
  for 40 years.
• Gerry was the Outback Director for Tourism Tropical Nth Queensland for 13 years, 3 years as Chairman of Tourism Tropical Tablelands and has been the Patron to the Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund for 16 years.

Congratulations Gerry and thank your for your vision, your leadership and for the significant contribution you’ve made in Tropical North Queensland, and in particular the Gulf Savannah.

Q RESORTS HOTELS & APARTMENTS INTRODUCE THEIR FIRST LEISURE PROPERTY IN CAIRNS

Q Resorts Hotels & Apartments are pleased to introduce Q Resorts Cascade Gardens, their very first leisure property in Cairns, adding holiday accommodation to their existing network of five corporate properties in Brisbane.

Q Resorts Cascade Gardens will offer great value holiday and business accommodation in Cairns with a choice of Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom self contained apartments including apartments with private courtyards and in room spas. Q Resorts Cascade Gardens has all you need for the perfect holiday, including a beautiful outdoor pool and spa, a BBQ entertainment area, a fitness room, a pool side bar, a tour information desk and in room mini-bars. Situated near Cairns Esplanade with proximity to Cairns CBD and the shopping precinct, it is ideally located for leisure and business travellers.

BOOKINGS: www.qresorts.com.au  or 1800 145 075                          

BUSINESS EVENTS AUSTRALIA – US FAMIL

CRCB is delighted to announce an upcoming famil for approximately 11 North American Incentive House delegates has been secured for Tropical North Queensland in conjunction with Business Events Australia (Tourism Australia) and Air New Zealand. The dual destination famil will showcase Tropical North Queensland and Brisbane from an incentive destination perspective and will be held Sunday 20 – Sunday 27 July 2008.
 

NOVOTEL OASIS CAIRNS RESORT OFFERS INDUSTRY

Celebrating the completion of their $7 million renovation, Novotel Oasis Cairns Resort is offering a $99 per night industry rate.  Novotel Cairns Oasis
Resort is again a premier 4.5 star resort located in the heart of Cairns and offers a new level of contemporary style and comfort.

Enjoy the surrounds of the new Novo Bar; swim-up and indulge in a cool cocktail by Aqua Pool Bar, or tempt your taste buds in with our new
combination a la carte and modern interactive dining experience in Mizuna Restaurant.

Enquiries: 07 4080 1888 or res@novotelcairnsresort.com.au

Click here to view special

PORT DOUGLAS SANDS RESORT RECEIVED 4-STAR

Port Douglas Sands Resort has just been upgraded to a 4 star. "AAA" came to visit  early in June and was so impressed on how the grounds/rooms plus renovations of the new reception area were looking that they upgraded the property’s star rating.

To view the upgrades and for more information, visit: www.sandsresort.com.au
 

MEMBER PROFILES AND INDUSTRY OFFERS ON TTNQ CORPORATE
 
We are pleased to announce TTNQ now provide a new means of exposure for members who do not fit into the ATDW categories and therefore cannot be listed on our consumer website.
 
We now have a member profile on the home page of our Corporate site http://www.tropicalaustralia.com.au/corporate/home.  This profile will be updated regularly & is only available to Bronze level & above members (as per membership benefits) who do not fit in to the ATDW categories.  This group of members has been contacted, but should you have any queries please contact Niaomi.
 
In addition to this we also now have a section on our Corporate site for Industry offers (this also applies to Bronze & above level members).  Should you have an offer or special you would like to extend to your fellow members please send full details in a PDF document to Niaomi (this is designed for genuine specials offered for a limited time period).
 
 
OLIVER’S – AUSTRALIAN FINE CUISINE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP
Great news for Cairns diners as Oliver’s Restaurant has secured the services of one of the best head chef and maitre’d teams as partners in the restaurant. Head Chef David Bres and our Maitre D’ Stephanie Bosc have a reputation as two genuine professionals and they will continue to celebrate the fine art of dining for many years to come. To view their updated menu, visit: www.olivers.net.au
Phone bookings: 61-7-40411221   Email: oliver@olivers.net.au

IMPORTANT STATISTICS ON TTNQ WEBSITE

The latest IVS and NVS figures were released last week and these important figures are up on our website.  The full snapshot of both of these reports will also be available this week at www.tropicalaustralia.com.au/corporate or click here to view.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Great Green Way Tourism Inc.
www.greatgreenwaytourism.com
Great Green Way Tourism Incorporated’s primary focus is to educate, provide tourism services and manage the multi-award winning Cardwell Rainforest & Reef Visitor Information Centre. Great Green Way Tourism Incorporated inform, promote and provide products and services for our members and have established an excellent information network.
 
Double Island Resort
www.doubleisland.com.au
This privately owned Island is now available in its entirety, offering guests a tantalising mix of privacy, luxury and exclusivity.
Guests describe their Double Island experience as “truly memorable and breathtaking”.
With private luxury accommodation available for up to 40 guests it is the perfect setting for the ultimate reward....
 
Echo Adventure & Cultural Camp
www.echoadventure.com.au
Echo Adventure & Cultural Camp is a newly established camp ground catering for school groups, corporate groups and organised tours. Echo Adventure & Cultural Camp run a range of team building & leadership activities along with a professionally developed cultural program with the guidance of indigenous elder, Mr Ernie Grant. Tours to Echo Creek take you on a journey through the eyes of our traditional owners.
 
BrandCentral
www.brandcentral.com.au
BrandCentral is a Brand Strategy and Communications Company, based in Sydney. We are a team of strategists, qualitative researchers, account and project managers. We partner with quantitative researchers, media, design and creative teams where the project requires. Our travel & tourism experience includes; Tourism Tropical North Queensland; Tourism Tasmania; Jet Star; Qantas; Medina Apartments; Best Western Hotels and Sydney Tower Restaurant. 
 
A List Events International
www.alistevents.com.au
A List Events International is renowned for delivering exceptional events. The company began in Cairns, Australia in 2002 and has recently expanded into Melbourne. The Shanghai office is expected to open in May 2008, providing all customers with expanding options for business events.
Specialising in corporate events and conferencing, their team of qualified event managers deliver visionary events with exceptional attention to detail.
Catering for all types of business and sporting events, conferencing, exhibitions and media launches, A List Events International aim to exceed expectations everytime.
Services include entire project management of an event to providing specialised help with budgeting, guest lists, registration services, media liaison and sponsorship.

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AIR NEW ZEALAND INCREASES FLIGHTS TO TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

Air New Zealand has reaffirmed its commitment to trans-Tasman services from Auckland to Cairns by announcing an increase in its services from three to four a week from November 2008.

The additional seat capacity follows a meeting over the weekend in Auckland between senior executives from the airline’s commercial and network planning divisions, and David Rose, Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s Group Director for Marketing.

“As a major network carrier Air New Zealand was at the top of our list of international airlines to speak to following the decision by Qantas Group to reduce flights into Cairns. We’ve traditionally enjoyed a very close working relationship with Air New Zealand, and as part of TTNQ’s four point plan we wanted to meet with their key decision makers as quickly as possible to protect and if possible grow existing seat capacity,” said Mr Rose.

The region’s tourism operators will further benefit from a major rescheduling of all of Air New Zealand’s services into Cairns. Flights from Auckland will all depart at either 6.45am or 10am on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, providing daylight service in both directions. Additionally, the new timings will provide better connectivity for Air New Zealand’s North American services along with Asian and domestic routes.

In previous high seasons, Air New Zealand has operated a mixed range of aircraft on the Auckland – Cairns route, and at various departure times. The carrier believes that a more streamlined approach will improve the profitability of the route, and increase its appeal to passengers.

While frequency will reduce again to the current three per week service from February 2009, Air New Zealand’s confidence in Tropical North Queensland as a preferred tourism destination for Kiwis has been applauded by TTNQ Chief Executive, Rob Giason.

“The additional seat capacity, combined with the re-timed departures, will have a practical and positive benefit for our region and its tourism operators,” Mr Giason said.

“New Zealand remains one of our most important markets. It has been reliable and steady and the opportunity now exists for us to focus on growing it much further.

“We will continue to work with our partners at Tourism Queensland to further develop a joint marketing strategy with Air New Zealand to ensure those seats are filled not only with Kiwis, but Canadians, Americans – and even Japanese, considering Air New Zealand’s services into western Japan.”

Mr Giason added that, like Tropical North Queensland, Air New Zealand was experiencing significant growth in the China market, and had expressed an interest in working with the destination to develop joint Auckland/Cairns combinations for Chinese visitors.

SkyAirWorld ANNOUNCES FLIGHTS TO CAIRNS

Australia’s newest airline, Brisbane-based SkyAirWorld, will soon be operating a scheduled service to Cairns with Australia’s first Embraer ERJ-145 jet. 

Subject to regulatory approval, commencing in August SkyAirWorld will operate a scheduled service to Cairns from Brisbane, via Cloncurry return, using the 48-seat  Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. SkyAirWorld has already taken delivery of one ERJ 145 with the second due to arrive at the end of June. 

SkyAirWorld has announced the schedule for the service, in line with customer suggestions.  The 3 scheduled days of service are Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. For a comprehensive overview of the SkyAirWorld flight schedule and booking information please visit www.skyairworld.com, or alternatively call 1300 SKYAIR.