Tourism’s Covid reboot

Forum to discuss post-pandemic recovery path

HOPES of a post-Covid Aussie international tourism reboot will be front of mind for more than 420 delegates in Cairns this week aiming to reinvigorate an export industry estimated to be worth $1bn per year.

Hit hard by international travel restrictions, the reshaping of a homegrown tourism strategy will be discussed at 4500 business meetings and a comprehensive conference program designed to inspire tourism of the future.

Thirty speakers are expected to address the forum to cover topics ranging from mainstream sustainability, inclusive tourism, distribution, and attracting future industry leaders.

With a focus on future emerging trends Demographics Group co-founder Simon Kuestenmacher will crunch the numbers to deliver data-driven insights on charting a Covid recovery path.

An influx of Australian Tourism Export Council members will offer a welcome boost to local business as delegates book out city hotels, dine and take in Far North tropical experiences.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said hosting ATEC Meeting Place 2022 would be a great opportunity to showcase the destination to inbound tour operators.

“We have more than 30 new experiences in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef including city walks, reef tours, Indigenous operators and rainforest experiences,” he said.

“The inbound tour operators will be wowed by the transformation of Cairns with the stunning Esplanade dining precinct, new city hotels and vibrant bar and food scene.

“Having them experience the region first hand will be integral to rebuilding our key international markets and reclaiming our $1bn a year export industry.”

Mr Olsen said the international market was sitting at 10 to 15 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

“The time is now to regain our international market share,” he said.

“Pre-pandemic we had 3200 working holiday makers in our region working both in agriculture and tourism so what happens when we reopen our international markets is both a workforce and the visitor that comes with it.”

Mr Olsen said the average traveller spends $1235 per trip for about a 5.8 night stay and about $212 per night.

ATEC managing director Peter Shelley said they were looking at 18 months to regain the international market.

The function, to run from November 21-24, is hosted by Tourism Events Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland and will also host the Tropicool Gala Finale and the ATEC Excellence Awards.

“Meeting Place always provides an amazing platform for the destination to showcase all it has to offer,” Mr Shelley said.