Keeping historic location thriving
AFTER almost 25 years as owners of the historic Paronella Park, Mark and Judy Evans say they never tire of the lush surrounds of the iconic North Queensland destination.
The attraction, which was established by Spanish immigrant Jose Paronella in 1929, has been named as one of 23 finalists in this year’s Telstra Queensland Business Awards.
Thanks to careful maintenance by the couple, who prefer to refer to themselves as custodians of the five-hectare Mena Creek site, and a strong marketing and social media strategy, Paronella Park now attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, half of which are international tourists.
“Preservation has really been the key, we don’t want to change the character of the park,” Mr Evans said.
As well as Paronella Park the couple also own a nearby hotel as well as a the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, with a total of 80 employees.
Due to its location as well as natural waterfall, the park has faced its own challenges due to drastic weather events, including cyclones and floods.
“But we’ve actually found some of our best business decisions have come as a result of those challenges,” Mr Evans said.
“Following Cyclone Larry we decided to give tickets which allowed people to visit for two years, and to allow travellers to have a caravan or tent if they wished.
“They were two of the best marketing decisions we ever made.”
A recent major flood three months ago even uncovered unknown pieces of the park that hadn’t been revealed in decades.
“We’re always discovering new things,” Ms Evans said.
The winners will be announced tomorrow night.
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