Steps towards recovery vital

WITH almost all borders reopening and a crucial piece of tourism infrastructure swinging into action, more vital steps towards the Far North’s tourism recovery are under way.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has revealed some of its marketing campaigns to draw visitors from southern states, while the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino starts operations after three months of forced closure.

Virgin Australia has announced some flights to Cairns as well.

The TTNQ Australia-wide marketing strategy is aimed at salvaging “every last opportunity” for the region’s crippled tourism industry and will be put into place to help combat a forecast $2.5 billion loss in visitor spending.

Among the list of initiatives are increased marketing being pushed out in locations across the country and a council-led charge for urgent “recovery packages” from the state and federal governments.

The theme will be holiday in your own backyard and include Victoria so its residents can prepare to travel to the Far North when the COVID outbreaks ease in the southern state.

The casino is back in business from Friday lunchtime until 3am including the main gaming floor, casino bars and Flinders Bar and Grill.

From July 10 the Tamarind Restaurant and Bar36 return, the hotel from July 11 and Merchant Cafe from July 12.

It will mean more of the 400 staff will be back earning wages.

From July 13 Virgin Australia will resume its direct Sydney–Cairns service with three return flights a week while Jetstar begins more services from July 14.

Slowly but surely the tropical north tourism giant is reawakening. Nick Dalton

Deputy editor