Events driving growth

Region coming alive as Cairns prepares to host a cultural and sporting bonanza

THE events season has officially kicked off in Cairns and tourism venues are ready to reap the rewards.

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino hotel general manager Wayne Reynolds said vacancy rates were extremely low for the start of the season.

“PBR this weekend is really strong and Ironman next weekend is almost full,” he said.

“We have just come out of one of the strongest Mays on record and it sets us up for a strong run into high season by allowing us to maintain service consistency and staffing levels year round.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Pip Close said events were a big driver in reaching TTNQ’s target of $3.2 billion annual expenditure by 2020.

“PBR and the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival bring thousands of visitors to the region during what would otherwise be the shoulder season,” Ms Close said.

“Events boost tourism numbers by giving people a reason to visit a destination without regard for the time of the year.”

Ms Close said Cairns events reached more than locals and visitors as media across the country and internationally covered the events.

Mayor Bob Manning said events across the region provided added value for tourists who might even decide to extend their stays to enjoy the festivals and performances taking place.

“Cairns is very much a tourist city and this is when we start to move into our high season again,” he said.

“We prop that up a bit with our festivals and events. It’s great that we can provide people with events to attend while they’re here in Cairns.” editorial@cairnspost.com.au facebook.com/TheCairnsPost www.cairnspost.com.au twitter.com/TheCairnsPost