North is looking good
CAIRNS commuters are encouraged to swap four wheels for two on Wednesday for a chance to explore the city’s cycleways and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Cairns Regional Council HAYDEN SMITH TOURISM Australia managing director John O’Sullivan believes the “overall picture” looks good for the Far North.
The industry body’s board met in Cairns this week for the first time in several years.
Mr O’Sullivan said the region should take heart from the new wave of hotel developments – driven by GA Group Australia – and the burgeoning international airport.
“It was exciting this morning, while on my morning run along the Esplanade, to see some cranes … for tourism assets,” he said.
“From a tourism perspective, to see it going ahead is really positive.
“The overall picture is positive, but part of the reason we’re up here is that we want to work with industry to make sure we’re being more effective in helping them achieve their goal.”
The visit comes six months before the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, which Mr O’Sullivan said was a golden opportunity for the Far North.
“Events like the Commonwealth Games are great for, not just the Gold Coast, but cities that have events which are part of it,” he said.
“It goes to that point of fur- thering Cairns’ resume as an event town. There are so many different benefits.”
In December, direct flights will commence between Cairns and mainland China following a longstanding effort from local industry and community leaders.
Mr O’Sullivan said “the building blocks” were in place for further Far Northern tourism growth. To be part of the official participation count, register at www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rtw
“But I don’t think you can be complacent in any of that. It’s such a competitive industry, and we’ve been working ... to make sure our marketing messages are tailored to sell the region in the best possible way,” he said.