Tough road back to profit
THE hard road back to hotel profits has been paved in a new report predicting a focus on high-end luxury travel might be the secret to survival for Cairns and Port Douglas.
Dransfield Hotels and Resorts has homed in on the Far North’s two major tourism centres in its latest COVID-19 industry forecast updates – and there is a rocky path head.
The report warns the region will likely struggle to capture the domestic market even as
CUT-PRICE travel packages are being extended beyond just locals as hotels compete for a share of a diminished market.
Flight Centre has launched a $499 deal including return flights from Brisbane, five nights’ accommodation at the Queens Court hotel on Sheridan St, daily breakfasts and a complimentary bottle of wine.
Deals also run from Sydney ($549), Melbourne ($599), Adelaide ($749) and Perth ($949) with no fees for cancellations made before the end of August.
Queens Court owner Zac Sarnecki said accommodation providers were doing all they could to encourage tourists to make the trip north.
“Bookings haven’t started flowing yet because there’s no certainty as to when airlines are going to start flying and borders reopen,” he said.
Mr Sarnecki urged the State Government to give prospective visitors plenty of warning ahead of any border reopening – likely to happen on July 10.
“You can’t tell Australians on a Sunday night that the borders are open and expect everyone to turn up on the Monday morning,” he said.
RECORD numbers of Aussies are seeking help to feed their families after battling bushfires, drought and now the impacts of COVID-19.
More than 400,000 people sought food relief for the first time this year.
In April alone, charities across the country saw a 50 per cent jump in calls.
Australian Council of Social Services acting chief executive Jacqueline Phillips said the COVID-19 crisis had resulted in many people facing severe economic hardship.
That’s why the annual Feed
THOUSANDS of Queensland jobs will be created in a billiondollar plan to build our way out of the COVID-19 recession.
The two-prong plan includes unleashing $1.5 billion for small road and rail projects that are ready to go now, as well as cutting approval time of 15 nationbuilding projects in half to get jobs under way within 12 months.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison (above) will use the CEDA State of the Nation speech today to call on the COVID spirit of co-operation with the states to get shovels in the ground faster.
Queensland Appeal – part of the national Feed Appeal fundraiser – is so vital.
FareShare Brisbane director Kellie Watson said last month FareShare’s Brisbane kitchen (left) cooked a record 238,627 meals.
News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny Fowler said: “Feed Appeal is all about supporting local communities and is focused on helping food relief charities feed and nourish people in need.”
Help people in your community by donating at feedappeal.org.au or phone
1300 421 041.
Mr Morrison will say fast-tracking the projects is expected to create 66,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“This investment and these jobs will be brought to market earlier by targeting a 50 per cent reduction in Commonwealth assessment and approval times, from an average 3.5 years to 21 months,” he will say.
The $1.5 billion for small priority road projects will be split into two parts, with $1 billion to go towards roads, roundabouts and overpasses ready to build now, and another $500 million to go towards road safety works.
“Long term, we think the improved hotel offerings may attract new customer segments at the luxury leisure end, which is often overlooked in the Cairns area,” the report states.
“Australia’s reputation as a safe haven may also have increased the attractiveness of this destination for internationals planning holidays.
“This provides confidence for the long-term prospects for the city, especially when matched with a very low longer-term supply pipeline and low rates.”