1 July 08

NEWS - EVENTS - TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES - TTNQ APPLAUDS ACHEIVEMENTS - ON THE MOVE - SEEN IN THE MEDIA - GOOD NEWS STORIES

NEWS

AVIATION STUDY NOW UNDERWAY IN TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

A major study of Tropical North Queensland’s aviation sector is currently underway to determine a strategic direction for the industry.  Desley Boyle, Queensland Minister of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, has indicated the study is being done by Economic Associates Pty Ltd and will cover the broad spectrum of the industry’s strengths, challenges and opportunities for further expansion.

Looking for diversity for the industry, Ms Boyle hopes the study will help to guide Cairns and Tropical North Queensland to become an even stronger aviation player, not only as a  holiday destination but in aviation training and maintenance sectors as well.

Ms Boyle acknowledges that in the case of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, the industry strengths are tourism, tropical expertise, marine and aviation, which will continue to grow and prosper in the Far North.

For more information regarding this study, contact Marcus Taylor on 3225 1005

Both are available at www.tq.com.au/research. For more information, contact the Research Department.

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EVENTS

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008
As you may be aware, World Youth Day (WYD) will be held in Sydney from Friday 11 July to Sunday 20 July 2008. It is the largest youth event in the world and will be attended by the Pope, together with international and local pilgrims.

Cairns is expected to have thousands of International Pilgrims in Cairns either side of WYD08 so it is important these groups are aware of events happening in Cairns.

If you have an event you’d like promoted to these visitors, please contact Deacon Matt Ransom, WYD Coordinator Diocese of Cairns at: wydcairns@westnet.com.au

SELL TNQ 2008
CRCB is delighted to announce the dates for Sell TNQ 2008 as Friday 28 November – Monday 01 December 2008. Registration will open in July 2008.  Please contact crcb@tnq.org.au for further information.

FESTIVAL CAIRNS 2008 THEME ANNOUNCED
The ‘love’ theme for Festival Cairns 07 will live on with confirmation it is being retained in 2008, albeit expanded to celebrate the city and its rather special relationship with the environment.

The event program, which kids off on Wednesday 27 August and runs for 25 days, will feature a choice of 48 free and ticketed events spanning music, art, sport, entertainment and culture.

Highlights at this year’s event include:  Ergon Energy’s Busking Festival, Cairns Amateurs Spring Racing Carnival, Carnival on Collins Father’s Day Festival, QLD cup NBL Tournament, Food, Wine and all that Jazz – all culminating in the finale “Parade of Lights” grand parade procession, now in its 41st year.

For further information, visit www.festivalcairns.com.au

YOUNG CHAMBER SCAVENGER HUNT
Mark your calendar’s for this year’s Young Chamber’s Scavenger hunt beginning on the afternoon of Thursday 31 July.  Details are yet to be revealed, however the hunt will commence at a secret CBD location where you will meet with your team and set out to hunt for items.  There will be free food and drink and lots of fun!

For more information and to register, visit www.cairnschamber.com.au

2010 OCEANIA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN CAIRNS

Cairns Athletics is pleased to advise they have been successful in their bid to host the 2010 Oceania Open Championships.  These championships, which will attract approximately 300 athletes from 21 countries to our beautiful region, will be held in early September 2010.  

As an added bonus, they have also been informed that the 2010 ANQ Championships will be held in conjunction with the Oceania Open Championships and will attract an additional 400 athletes of all ages.

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OPPORTUNITIES

BRAND EQUITY HOSTS INFORMATION SEMINAR

A product has only a split second to grab a consumer’s attention - how well does your packaging design perform in an export market? That’s the question the people from Evolve Brand Design will answer during a seminar Wednesday 16 July, 8:45am – 1:30pm at the Cairns Regional Centre, Cairns Port Authority Building.  The cost is $33 and includes morning tea.

Renee Weaver from Evolve Brand Design will introduce you to value brand and packaging, and how it can help sell your product.

Places are limited so to register, download the attached registration form and fax to 4048 1122 or  email to businessassist.cairns@dtrdi.qld.gov.au

AUSTRALIAN DIRECTORY OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, EXCURSIONS AND ACCOMMODATION 2008/2009
Now is the time to ensure your interest for this year’s issue of the Australian Directory of School Activities, Excursions and Accommodation, which is due to be distributed in October ’08 and you don’t receive an invoice until distribution.

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TTNQ APPLAUDS ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to:

• Colleen Watson recognised for excellence at National Superyacht Industry Awards
  Colleen Watson, acting manager of Super Yacht Group – Great Barrier Reef was recognised for excellence at the 2008 Australian Superyacht Awards, held recently at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
  Each year, the Super Yacht Base Australia (SYBA) Chairman has the opportunity to select a person or business that has in some way contributed to the development of the superyacht industry.
  When announcing Colleen Watson as the recipient of this year’s award, SYBA Chairman, Barry Jenkins said;
  “The attitude she has demonstrated has contributed to the overall unity of the national body and the cluster network. Her determination was a major contributing factor to the industry lobby that resulted in the recent announcement of a dedicated superyacht visa which will allow the superyacht industry to further develop its visitation industry.”
  Super Yacht Base Australia hosted the third annual National Superyacht Industry Awards to coincide with the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on May 24th.

• Shane Warmington of Tropical Horizons Tours as this months winner of the Cairns Tourism Association Award.  Shane was nominated by one of his customers for his extra efforts in customer service.

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ON THE MOVE

• Louise Knol, co-owner of the Grandview Country Retreat, has been appointed the  Tourism Coordinator for the Tablelands Regional Council.  Louise has been a long-time proponent of tourism and her first-hand, award winning experience is a fantastic asset to this role.  You can contact Louise at: louisek@trc.qld.gov.au 

• Marina Musumeci has resigned as Director of Sales and Marketing from Livingston Tourism Marketing and will be joining her partner Andrew Travers in a double act at Musket Cove Island Resort in Fiji. Andrew will take on the role of General Manager and Marina will be the Director of Sales and Marketing.

• Leading Queensland Tourism Consultancy opens in the west.
  One of Queensland’s leading tourism consultancies, Livingston Tourism Marketing has unveiled plans to significantly expand its national presence commencing with the opening of a Western Australian office on Monday, 23 June 2008.
  Operating from its Cairns headquarters since 1999, Livingston Tourism Marketing is a boutique consultancy that services the international marketing needs of Tropical North Queensland based clients spanning attractions, touring and accommodation. 
  Managing Director of Livingston Tourism Marketing, Ron Livingston said this month’s expansion into Western Australia is a very exciting and strategic move for the organization that continue its expansion throughout the year with office openings in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
  

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SEEN IN THE MEDIA

• Wedding Joy after Larry celebrated on Great Barrier Reef. Read more >

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GOOD NEWS STORIES

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures received a nice thank you letter regarding their first booking of the newly opened Gondwana Gateway and Grill.

 
Hi Yvonne,

Just a short note to say how wonderful our trip to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures was on Saturday.  The Gondwana BBQ far exceeded our expectations, the layout of the area was fantastic, the food was delicious and the service was five star.  We were all so appreciative of the staff who actually bought animals to where we were at the Gondwana area for the Aussie Backyard presentation - the kids were thrilled!  All staff were so friendly and passionate about their roles - it was so nice to see.  The park is so well presented, organised, educational and fun.  Thanks for a great day!

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