Unified plan to bolster tourism

Big Rigs’ jobs creation is all in the detail

SPECIAL-INTEREST groups and a focus on digital marketing will be part of the new structure of the region’s tourism body.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Pip Close said the format was a result of feedback from the group’s recent member survey.

“TTNQ will focus on Tropical North Queensland’s diverse experiences to create and master a unified story for our destination marketing,” she said.

“This new direction will involve members joining specialinterest cluster workshops to share their ideas about how we can be the gateway to the thousands of compelling Tropical North Queensland stories.

“In addition, we will have a digital marketing group led by Chris Jahnsen which I urge all members to get involved with as the digital space is critical to our future success.

“The board has carefully analysed feedback and (the new structure) is one of the first steps in implementing a new member-led direction for TTNQ.

“We also believe this will allow our destination marketing to strategically align with Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia.”

TTNQ leaders will become cluster champions to promote the different experiences and attractions in the region.

Amy Mail will oversee food and beverage, Chris Jahnsen, the Great Barrier Reef, low season and fishing, Sarah Palmer, the Outback, rainforest and superyachts, Barbara Thomspon, weddings and wildlife, Jilara Kuch, timeless experiences, Claudia McFadden, the drive market and backpackers, with Study Cairns championing education.

The groups will meet quarterly and replace TTNQ’s strategic panels excepting business events and hotels.

Ms Close said it was important members attended workshops to discuss expectations, where new products were needed and how their stories could be shared.

“The TTNQ champion will facilitate the workshop, but will not drive the agenda as this will come from those attending,” she said.

The structure of the TTNQ team has also changed.

The executive team consists of destination development led by Sarah Palmer, events led by Rosie Douglas, digital and content led by Chris Jahnsen and corporate led by Andrea Fogarty with Ms Close heading the key marketing functions across all key markets including domestic supported by the team.

“2018 is shaping up to be a positive year for our tourism industry, but we are not the only destination saying this, so it is imperative we work together to compete against increasingly well-resourced travel destinations,” Ms Close said. THE expansion of a Cairnsbased, national company has provided a unique employment opportunity for longterm job seekers.

Car and truck broker NC Direct general manager Mark Hunt said the creation of side business Big Rig Detailing was a chance to reach out to the community through job provider Worklink.

“We made an informed decision from the outset to create opportunity and provide meaningful work for local long-term unemployed people that have experienced health and life challenges,” Mr Hunt said.

“We also employed longterm local detailing duo Brian O’Rourke and Vinnie Boland to train our staff.

“We are proud that our staff are now proficient and are eager to learn new skills such as tyre fitting.”

The business will soon offer an overnight service where trucks can be dropped off in the late afternoon and be ready to go early the next morning.

A Worklink spokesman said for the past three months the group had been working with Big Rig Detailing to find meaningful employment several clients.

“Not only have they taken on long-term unemployed candidates but have shown a true ability and desire to assist them on the job,” he said.

“Many examples abound of the owners taking a genuine personal interest in their employees, far above and beyond any normal business.” for