Tourism body in bid to double funds

TOURISM Tropical North Queensland’s income is set to almost double if a top-level meeting in Brisbane next month is successful.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones has summoned TTNQ boss Alex de Waal to discuss funding for a plan to establish Cairns as a one-stop destination for Chinese tourists.

TTNQ, backed by Cairns Regional Council and the city’s airport, has a three-year, $18 million plan to make the region a mono destination for Chinese tourists. A key component is attracting non-stop flights from mainland China.

The industry has committed to fund nearly half the plan with the balance required from the State Government.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt has asked Ms Jones to find ways to fund the project.

Mr de Waal said if the meeting was successful a further $6 million a year would appear in their coffers from next year.

TTNQ’s financial report shows the non-profit marketing body had revenue of $6.6 million, nearly $600,000 more than the previous year. Most of it was spent on marketing and promoting the region ($5 million), nearly $420,000 more than last year, and 76 per cent of the organisation’s income.

He said TTNQ was in strong financial shape with more than $1 million in the bank and $309,486 in equity.

Mr de Waal said the group’s focus was on the marketing and promotion of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

“We are also spending more money on research to emphasise how important tourism is to the region’s economy,” he said.