Five-year plan markets village to tourists

Councillor Lenore Wyatt, chairwoman of the Tourism Kuranda Advisory Committee, said the plan gave “a clear road map to developing this area as one of Far North Queensland’s greatest attractions”.

“We will be encouraging local operators, investors and other stakeholders to develop new and exciting visitor experiences that align with our goal of increasing visitor numbers to boost the local economy,” she said. “This plan has a vision and an action plan to reinvent Kuranda as a global tourism destination.”

Cr Wyatt said the advisory committee had listened to feedback from visitors, tour operators and locals in developing the marketing plan.

The plan recognised concerns about negative feedback from operators and visitors and a lack of accurate data on visitor numbers.

A focus on visitor feedback and brand awareness were key priorities identified in the plan.

“We will be spending more time researching, understanding and sharing visitor feedback to find out what works and what doesn’t,” Cr Wyatt said.

“The committee will review and refine the Kuranda brand to ensure it appeals to visitors and delivers on its promise.”

This means keeping in touch with visitors’ changing needs and expectations.

“There’s the bohemian, eclectic vibe, creative artists and the markets,” the plan document states.

“There’s indigenous culture and history. Rainforest and wildlife experiences. Then there’s the cafes and restaurants, shops and galleries …”