Tourism specials to keep it local

KEEP your distance and wash your hands but to keep the boredom at bay, take advantage of the deals Far North businesses are offering during one of the region’s most uncertain times.

From enjoying a meal out or getting one delivered from your favourite restaurant, to exploring the world-class attractions right on our doorstep, many businesses are offering half-price tickets and entry.

“CaPTA Group is locally owned and operated, for over 40 years we have supported the local Cairns community. We need the help and support of our locals now more than ever,” said the company’s marketing manager Ben Woodward.

“We have increased our locals’ rate to 50 per cent off all our attractions, which include Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Rainforestation Nature Park and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

“Tourism is going through a tough time alongside many other local businesses and individuals.

“We do not know what is ahead, but if we can give the opportunity to a family to come out and forget about all this craziness just for a few hours, then that is our job done.

“If you can safely visit any local operator, restaurant, bar or shop right now then please do so and keep it in Cairns.

“Each dollar spent could help keep doors open and a local person employed.”

Experience Co is also offering half-price deals, on skydiving, snorkelling, ferry day trips and other water sports.

Cairns Aquarium has also committed to staying open and a spokesman said the venue’s daily cleaning procedures had been ramped up, with staff wiping down and disinfecting surfaces, handles and desks

“hourly, with extra vigilance”.

“We are encouraging thorough handwashing, have numerous handwashing facilities around the aquarium and are placing hand sanitiser stations throughout our facility,” he said.

“We are making regular announcements reminding guests … to practice self-hygiene.

“Additional signage containing hygiene advice and other essential information is on display.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Advance Cairns have released a survey for businesses to be able to better understand the impacts of coronavirus in the region.

Cairns Regional Council will also be circulating the survey to their database.

“The purpose of this survey is to gather a broad cross section of the business community, enabling the anonymous responses to be compared to business data collated from across the state,” TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen said.

“(This will aid in) identifying the support you need for your business in these uncertain times and provide us with a powerful set of data to inform government as future stimulus funding is allocated.” editorial@cairnspost.com.au facebook.com/TheCairnsPost www.cairnspost.com.au twitter.com/TheCairnsPost