CAIRNS WARNS TOURISM TAKEOVER
CAIRNS tourism and business leaders are talking up the city becoming Queensland’s new tourism powerhouse over the Gold Coast with a global toursim hub.
As debate rages on the Coast about where to put one, how many pokies it will require and if one is needed at all, Cairns is united behind the push for a GTH.
Tropical North Queensland CEO Pip Close said: “With a GTH, Cairns will become the powerhouse of Queensland tourism.”
CAIRNS is warning the Gold Coast it will become the tourism powerhouse of Queensland as its business community gives a warm welcome to a planned Global Tourism Hub.
Business owners doing it tough in north Queensland want the State Government to fast track the GTH in Cairns and actively target European as well as Asian visitors.
North Queensland tourism leaders are strongly behind the project, aware a protest campaign headed by some Southport residents along with strong opposition from The Star is causing Labor concerns with the Glitter Strip’s rival project.
Tropical North Queensland CEO Pip Close told the Bulletin: “The research shows that a development like this will lure more visitors to Cairns, which will help further develop the existing market. That’s why we’re getting behind it.
“With a Global Tourism Hub, Cairns will become the powerhouse of Queensland tourism. New restaurants, bars and a unique cultural experion
ence that really showcases the reef – it’s exactly what we need to boost visitor numbers.”
The Government has released an online survey and sketches as it seeks feedback the far north Queensland second casino. Two major companies are short-listed.
A source close to the Cairns GTH project told the Bulletin: “There has been nothing but strong support for an integrated resort in Cairns.
“Locals seem to understand that a proposal like this has the potential to make Cairns a serious tourism rival for cities like the Gold Coast and Brisbane.”
The Bulletin understands the register of interests for the Gold Coast GTH closed on Friday.
The Government is being accused of hiding behind Cabinet secrecy after refusing to release details of the 11 secret sites for the GTH on the Gold Coast, which includes Carey Park where Southport residents have staged protests.
Those companies bidding in the register of interests will be considered in the next stage as part of expressions of interest.
The process of evaluation will continue through June and July, and by October the government will either go forward with a short-list or abandon the project.