Mere days in, new TTNQ boss hits the ground sprinting

THE region’s new tourism boss has been thrown straight in the deep end, facing a parliamentary inquiry on her second day on the job.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Pip Close officially started in the role on Monday, taking over from Alex de Waal following his shift to Brisbane to steer giant coach travel company Greyhound Australia.

Ms Close and TTNQ director Wendy Morris delivered the organisation’s submission to the Federal Parliamentary inquiry into North Australian tourism, calling for ongoing support from all levels of government in securing new international flight paths.

Ms Close said lining up more air services was a major priority, alongside ways to disperse tourists into areas beyond “just Cairns and the Reef”.

“Obviously the Reef is a very strong focus, as is the rainforest, but there are also a lot of other products around the region,” she said.

Ms Morris was tight-lipped on the next direct international flight route’s likely destination.

“Watch this space. There’s all sorts of exciting things and it’s day two for our new CEO, Pip, so let’s see how we go,” she said.

Cairns Convention Centre general manager Russ Steele delivered his own submission via video link – curious, given the inquiry was held within the centre.

He called for a $5 million “bid fund” to attract business tourism to Northern Australia.

The idea included strict criteria around the percentage of international visitors to eligible conferences or events.

“The bid funding is not given to the centre. It’s actually given to the organiser of the conference to take the risk away of them taking it to Northern Australia,” he said.

Mr Steele said many of the region’s competitors already had similar funds in play, including New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and China. Maybe have some Tough Mudder-type events? Earl Hill would be a great attraction for fitness tourism ... if only they don’t develop it.

Kylie Spooner

Welcome the grey nomads, welcome the Aussie families, and stop ripping people off. They want value for money. Give them some experiences that don’t cost the earth (literally).

Jenny McGrath

Do alternative-style backpacker resorts in rainforest all over and connect them all with a free bus service for people with international passports or out-ofstate driving licenses.

Scott Betton

Tourists like to be entertained: a theme park, a big ferris wheel!

Carol Speering

Promote Cairns as an arts destination. Some big cities have a widely advertised arts walk with a marked trail on the pavement between galleries to link them all. They hold a special open night once a month with nibblies and drinks. Also, Rustys market could have a foodies or arts market on a Wednesday night in the tourist season similar to the Queen Vic market in Melbourne.

Heather McCoy

Address the expense of visiting Cairns. While it is cheaper to travel to NZ, Fiji, Bali, Vanuatu and other neighbouring countries, Cairns will continue to struggle.

John Piccles

Get the dormant island resorts up and running. Banks won’t lend to island resort projects and have not for over 10 years.

Joanne Coulter

Build the bloody water park. James Hancock

OBVIOUSLY THE REEF IS A VERY STRONG FOCUS, AS IS THE RAINFOREST, BUT THERE ARE ALSO A LOT OF OTHER PRODUCTS AROUND THE REGION