Red carpet for rafters
WHITEWATER rafting thrill seekers from all over the world will be doing their best to tame the Tully River next month but before then locals are preparing to roll out the red carpet.
“Local Champions” are signing up across the Cassowary Coast to welcome athletes, support teams and event spectators ahead of the World Rafting Championships scheduled for May 13-20.
The Local Champion program aims to encourage all businesses and associations throughout the region to engage with visitors and ensure they have the friendliest and best holiday experience possible in our special part of the world.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council tourism co-ordinator Richard Blanchette said to become a Local Champion, businesses and organisations had to be committed to presenting visitors with the best of service, to display and share information about the event and impart local knowledge of our special places and local tourism attractions and experiences.
“Customer service is key to everyone’s travel experience and when an experience is positive, so too is the online and word-of-mouth review.
“Recommendations for visiting the Cassowary Coast will continue long after the event has moved on,” Mr Blanchette said.
“Participants will receive online exposure, a WRC2019 Local Champion certificate and a unique window poster, which will alert visitors that they can expect a warm Cassowary Coast welcome on these premises.”
Councillor Ben Heath said the World Rafting Championships provided an excellent opportunity for local businesspeople and residents to show the world just how great the Cassowary Coast was and how friendly the locals were.
“The championships will bring a huge number of people into our region and this is our opportunity to help boost our tourism industry and attract repeat visitors and new visitors via the great experience stories those coming here in May will tell when they return home,” Cr Health said.
Local businesses and associations wishing to become an official WRC 2019 Local Champion can join the team by signing up and making a commitment to be a Local Champion.
Register at your local Visitor Information Centre or contact Richard Blanchette, tourism co-ordinator Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
More than 400 of the world’s best rafters from 30 countries will travel to the Cassowary Coast for a chance to become compete in a variety of disciplines including sprints, slalom and downriver.