Tourism Industry appeals for holiday makers to keep their plans to help salvage summer
In the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and widespread flooding that has caused substantial damage in specific areas, the tourism industry is issuing an urgent call for assistance to salvage Christmas and the summer period and prevent further economic downturn.
While certain regions have been severely affected and are in recovery, for the majority of North Queensland the sun is shining, the rainforest greener than ever before, the waterfalls are bigger and better, and the tourism operators are ready to welcome you with open arms.
CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Mark Olsen, emphasises: “It’s essential to recognise that the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent flooding are isolated to specific areas. The majority of North Queensland is open for business and ready to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. We are urging the public and the travel industry to support us during this challenging time.”
“Even in some of those impacted areas we are seeing great innovation from local businesses, with ferries currently operating between Port Douglas and Cairns, bus routes re-routed to the Daintree and tours tweaked to ensure a world-class, memorable and safe experience.”
“The North Queensland tourism industry provides an annual $3.7B injection to the State economy, so its critically important that holiday makers retain their bookings, and indeed make plans to visit this incredible part of Australia from anywhere from Mackay to Cairns. But right now, it’s more than economics, it’s the livelihoods of the thousands of people who rely on the visitor economy to support their families. Keeping your holiday booking, well there is no better Christmas gift.”
CEO of Townsville Enterprise, Claudia Brumme-Smith, echoes the sentiment: “While there are areas North of Cairns that are facing significant infrastructure and access challenges, we want to emphasise that the impact is not uniform across North Queensland. Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Magnetic Island, the Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach and all destinations Cairns and south are indeed ready to receive visitors, and the tourism industry is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience.”
“Cairns and Townsville have always been interlinked as part of drive and rail itineraries for holiday makers for decades. Cairns is a key access hub for our region in Townsville North Queensland, and we are already seeing, in what is meant to be one of the busiest weeks for tourism, visitors diverting, or cancelling holidays as a result. We need this to stop.”
One of the hard-hit businesses, Roderic Rees from Cairns Adventure Group, shares the immediate impact on his touring products: “The impacts for our business from this weather event are absolutely devastating, we had just scaled up our staffing to prepare for the Christmas period and now we have no indication of when we will be able to reopen all of our 11 touring options.”
“It’s hard to comprehend that we have not only experienced a 50% loss in revenue overnight, we also have significant infrastructure damage at our Lake Placid and the Marina operations and one of our boats has been completely swamped.”
“We are really calling for a Christmas miracle and urging holiday makers to support our tours that have reopened including Tully Rafting and our Waterfall Wanderers tour. The extra rain means the waterfalls are more spectacular than ever before and the rafting is an experience not to miss.”
Accor General Manager Wayne Reynolds expresses his concern: “It is disheartening to report that the group is experiencing significant impacts from cancellations due to the perception that North Queensland is closed for business. The tourism industry in our region is facing an uphill battle, and we urgently seek support to mitigate further losses and aid in the recovery process.”
Cancellation impacts are coming through from right across the width and breadth of North Queensland. Barb Wilkinson, owner of Magnetic Glamping raises her disappointment: “We launched our brand-new Magnetic Island Glamping resort, just a few weeks before Jasper and we are devastated to be experiencing cancellations already. All off the back of the perception that Townsville and Magnetic Island was impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. We have had hardly any rain on Magnetic Island and yet we are only running at very low occupancy. We really need bookings and support from visitors to sustain our new business.”
Airlines are urged to refrain from offering free cancellations to Cairns-bound travellers, as Mark Olsen of Tourism Tropical North Queensland emphasises, “Cairns is open for business, and we want to dispel any misconceptions that may deter potential visitors. We urge airlines to work closely with us to communicate the accurate status of the region and encourage travel to North Queensland.”
Despite the challenges in specific areas, North Queensland remains open for business, and stakeholders are eager to welcome visitors. Mark Olsen of Tourism Tropical North Queensland reassures the public, “While certain areas are grappling with the aftermath, Cairns is ready to receive tourists and provide a warm welcome to those seeking an unforgettable holiday experience.”
The tourism industry implores the community, government, and potential visitors to rally together to support the recovery efforts and salvage Christmas for North Queensland.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
cairns queensland tourism tropical north queenslandLatest News
P&O rescues Rotary volunteers after collapse of Air Vanuatu
P&O Cruises Australia has answered a plea for help from a group of young Australian Rotary volunteers, stranded in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The students, many of them teenagers from Albury, NSW, were volunteering for a youth project run by the Hive Rotary Club Australia when the airline abruptly cancelled all flights, […]
Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan
Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. Zina Bencheikh, managing […]
Minor hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan to key Asia role
Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report […]
Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal appoint Evon Ler to director of sales, Asia
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group have announced that Evon Ler will join them in the new role of director of sales, Asia. She will work closely with Tony Archbold (VP, Sales, APAC, Crystal) and Susan Haberle (VP, Sales & Partnerships, APAC, A&K) with trade support across the region. Ler comes to the A&K family with more […]
Government urges Aussies to ‘reconsider’ plans to visit Noumea as New Caledonia death toll hits five
The government has updated its advice for Aussies who may be considering New Caledonia during this time.
Situation ‘dire’ for Air Vanuatu as rival carriers look to swoop on flailing airline
Like a bird with no wings, Air Vanuatu is grounded as its only Boeing 737 heads to Melbourne after being repossessed.
Vivid Sydney will light up the Harbour City’s food scene
Local and international culinary stars will descend on Sydney for Vivid Food. Post-event hangovers a given...
Experience Co appoints Matthew Vince as the new interim head of marketing
We are still trying to confirm whether it is Matthew himself in the lead image, will report back.
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Palm – Luxury for the whole family
Of course ever parent knows the real luxury experiences come when you find a way to leave the kids somewhere.
Bridgerton is back! Live the REAL Colin & Penelope experience
The real Penelope experience would be falling in love with someone who doesn't love you back but that's hard to market.
Sailing the Sun: Six nights aboard Princess’ first Sphere Class ship
Cruising has always been extravagant and the Sun is no different, apart from riff raff like us being let on board.
Australian tourists are big spenders globally on experiences and nightlife, Mastercard report finds
Aussies do their bit for the global economy by propping up bars across the world. It's a proud day for us all.
Sydney confirms position as Australia’s No. 1 business events host
Surprise surprise... Sydney Harbour and the Opera House come up trumps. Can you tell we live here?
Luke Mangan launches Bistrot Bisou, in Hotel Indigo, his first Melbourne restaurant in over a decade
The news means we're due a trip to Melbourne, but we'll wait for winter to past first!
Surf magazine Tracks hunt for grommets to launch Airb’n’b-style platform for surfers
Three young surfers on an all expenses paid surf trip on the Aussie coast.... What could go wrong?
Luxury cruise ship Paspaley Pearl by Ponant has appointed a new team of industry experts
Paspaley Pearl by Ponant will offer a gem of a cruise, as the new team shows by their pearly whites.
Memphis Tourism brings blues to Sydney as it adds Jack Daniels to sponsor roster
Memphis Tourism would win the award for coolest sponsor if there was one. But there isn't.
Jetstar and Qantas perception ratings soar following Bonza’s implosion
Forget what your mum told you, you can make yourself look better by making others look bad.
Train over Plane – Journey Beyond releases The Overland’s 2025 season
Clickety-clack, more than a century on track. Unlike the Overland, our poetry is not in demand.
AmaWaterways launches Australian operations at Sydney office with panoramic Harbour views
You should click on this article for the content but it's also okay if you just want to see someone cut a ribbon.
Travel insurance expert’s top 3 tips for Aussies stranded in New Caledonia amid riots
Despite appearances, being stranded in a luxury resort isn't all milk and honey.
Perfect Somewheres: Hotels.com celebrates best-in-class venues for guest experiences
Surprisingly, no hotels with bed bugs were represented in the top 1% of top hotels.
Airports boss says $1.7 billion Budget innovation fund will “kickstart” domestic manufacture of sustainable aviation fuel
Time to start saving up your waste - Australia is about to become a hub of biofuel innovation!
Apparent launches ‘All heart, no hassle’ campaign for Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller
Despite appearances, even the most severe-looking businessperson wants heart in their travel.
Indaba 2024: Losing out on memory, South Africa Tourism hands its fate to children
South Africa Tourism's chief marketing officer reminds us all we were once joyful children and not grumpy adults.
ACA & CLIA join forces ahead of Australian Tourism Exchange
Watch your back Kyle and Jackie 'O' - a new power couple is in town.
South Africa eyes affordable tourism to grow market
In an unlikely move, South African Tourism is actually encouraging young people to travel MORE.
ATIA applauds government’s fast-track passport announcement
Excellent news if you've ever experienced the sheer horror of realising you don't have a functioning passport.
DayAway names Aussie partners for luxury community based membership
Tired of dining with the riff raff? Get yourself a DayAway membership and slip into a life of luxury.
Silversea expands Nova Class with Silver Ray
Be prepared - this article has more silver than your local jewellers!
Tourism Tasmania CEO says a trip to Tassie could cure your Aurora Australis FOMO
With images like these - you're bound to regret being asleep during Australia's version of the northern lights.
Flight searches to Ho Chi Minh City skyrocket by 246% as city strengthens ties to Oz
We aren't endorsing ditching your work to look at flights to Ho Chi Minh but we're also not not endorsing it.
On Location: Rejoice! It’s Your Daily Wrap Of Africa’s Travel Indaba
Spare a moment to think about the cleaner who had to pick up all the confetti after this one kicked off.
Lack of budget spend will hit international visitor recovery, says Australian Tourism Industry Council
We've done the monotonous trawl through budget reports so you don't have to. You can thank us later!
On Location: Expedia CEO assures AI will not replace human roles, announces AI text assistant
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless its announced at a big conference, then it'll probably be reported.
VietJet walks away from Bonza investment, administrators look to maximise chance of survival
VietJet's making big plays in Australia but is drawing the line at buying a defunct airline.