Far North’s huge year to have a global focus
TOURISM Tropical North Queensland is counting on a busy 2016 for the tourism industry with new major events, a global focus on the Great Barrier Reef, a bumper Chinese New Year and a cruise ship home porting for the first time.
Chairman Max Shepherd said there were more than 60 events being held throughout the year in the Far North including the Ironman Asia Pacific Championship, which would add even greater international appeal to the successful Cairns Airport Adventure Festival.
“Chinese New Year in February will jump start the year with 129 charter flights – twice the number of previous years – from mainland China and Hong Kong as well as additional domestic flights bringing in more than 35,000 visitors to the region,” he said.
“The Chinese market is the region’s top international market and has been growing each year with 165,000 visitors for the year ending September this year.
“The 2016 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in April will draw visitors from around the world to watch the action on our unique rainforest trails, while the RACQ North Queensland Games will bring 5000 competitors to Cairns in June.
“We have events across a number of sports next year including BMX, AFL, baseball, cricket, running and cycling as well as the highly anticipated NRL match featuring premiership winners North Queensland Cowboys.
“Our low and shoulder seasons are attracting events with the Professional Bull Riders moving to March, which is in line with TTNQ’s event strategy to boost our year-round visitation.
“The conference sector is looking strong as the Cairns Convention Centre has a good mix of association and corporate events booked across the medical, scientific and agricultural sectors.
“The cruise season will be our best ever with the 1500passenger Pacific Eden homeporting in Cairns and bringing an $8 million boost to the region as passengers fly in and out to join her.
“Added to this is the extraordinary publicity Tropical North Queensland will get when Sir David Attenborough’s series on the Great Barrier Reef is screened globally after its launch in the United Kingdom on December 30.
“Sir David has publicly declared our region is his favourite part of the world to visit.”