Thursday 10 September

Queensland gets the thumbs up from UK event planners

According to an article written by Janine Kelso from the Magazine, Conference & Incentive Travel 07-Sep-09 it appears that UK event planners are looking very seriously at Queensland, in particular the resort towns that best service the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, as a host region for international events and conferences. 

The question they asked was Can "Queensland host the best event in the world"?    These were some of the positive answers they received....

Philip Christey, incentive manager, Flexi Events

Queensland could host an outstanding event for anyone looking for outdoor adventure as it offers such a variety of activities. Groups can venture into the rainforest, visit the Great Barrier Reef and stay on an island, or they can travel into the outback. All these locations can be reached within a one-hour charter flight on a small plane. Corporate trips are not easy to sell due to the time spent travelling from the UK and the cost of flights. However, once there, Queensland offers very good value for money.

Jade Austin, event director, CI Events

Queensland definitely has potential for a memorable event as it's unique, has lots of diversity and the tropical islands are easy to access. It's also very relaxed and laid-back. I think you need to combine a trip to Queensland with a few days in a big city such as Melbourne or Sydney because Brisbane isn't really comparable with them in terms of culture. I've organised three incentive trips to Port Douglas, which offers great dine-around options, and delegates can enjoy a walk in the rainforest, followed by the Flames of the Forest Dinner. Activities include golf, white-water rafting, a rainforest walk and a visit to a crocodile farm.

Angela Ward, account executive, World Events

Queensland is an up-and-coming destination for us because the exchange rates are much more favourable than they were. The people are very relaxed and friendly, and the service levels are excellent. The weather is obviously much better than in the UK and Europe, which means that people there have a more active lifestyle. This gives incentive trips far more variety as the itineraries are not just limited to city breaks. Delegates can enjoy activities outdoors such as boating or travelling into the bush.

Editors Comments: This positive feedback is very exciting but it needs to be acted upon immediately.  This is where the 'Rapid Response Unit (RRU)' we recommended within our tourism bodies could focus on.  This would be the perfect operation for the RRU to organise, activate and consolidate !  Let's get those Brits over here so they enjoy Port Douglas !