Relative success of visits adds up
THE economic impact of visits from friends and relatives is set to take on new importance throughout 2020 after one of the most disastrous starts to the year for tourism in Tropical North Queensland.
One in five visitors to the region come to see friends and relatives – a $600m-a-year boost that supports thousands of jobs.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said it had never been more important to spruik our region and invite friends and family to come stay.
“There are so many things for them to see and do this year. There will be the Cairns Indigenous Art Festival, Ironman, the Laura Dance Festival is back this year, Targa – there are plenty of great reasons for locals to invite their loved ones here,” he said.
“We will be the only regional location to host Sidney Nolan’s 1946-47 paintings of bushranger Ned Kelly and the only Queensland centre to host the Archibald Prize 2020 tour in September.
“Right now, Barron Falls will be in full flow through the week and that can be beautifully viewed from SkyRail, plus there’s the drive to Port Douglas.”
According to Tourism Research Australia data for the year to September 2019, caravanning and camping was one of the fastest-growing segments of accommodation for Tropical North Queensland.
Mr Olsen said domestic tourists heading to regional Queensland for caravanning and camping trips increased by more than 50 per cent compared to previous years.
“We have such a great range of options here from coastal to urban, to the Atherton Tablelands, right through the Gulf and the Cape,” he said.
“In 2020, I think we will see more Australians stay close to home.
“The Drive North Queensland partnership is being relaunched to the domestic market in 2020. This aims to tap into the growing interest by families and couples to stay closer to home and embark on a trip where they can connect with each other.
“What we’ve seen in January is more reason for visitors to stay in Tropical North Queensland. We have had a mild wet season, providing just enough rain to get the waterfalls flowing so it is a spectacular time to be touring in the destination. Those driving should always remember to look at the RACQ road conditions and ensure they are travelling safely.”