by Fraser Davies

It is no secret that Port Douglas is a beautiful place with wonderful, friendly people to match. It has been a favourite destination on the map of Australia for many years with many Australians and International guests choosing to visit year after year.

I spent 12 wonderful years in the town working on the coal face of the tourism industry and one thing that did catch my eye was the lack of change or any change that did occur was at a pace that would have been overtaken by a snail with racing stripes.
 
I spent six years working in the hospitality industry working at one of the town's favourite restaurants, not to name it but being a beautiful white Queenslander, lovely courtyard with a stunning waterfall and brilliant chefs and floor staff to match (few hints there).

The next six years I was working for a Reef operator in an  International Sales role (larger reef operator with boats to suit all markets and clientele).
 
The reason I am writing this piece is to voice my opinion on a question that was asked in The Newsport regarding what Port Douglas needs to do in these times that are challenging to say the least.

Port has for many years believed it is the best tourism destination in Australia and while that may well be true, it must realise that there are many more amazing destinations in this country and abroad that are in the same league and are far more affordable.

For a destination like Port Douglas to evolve and continue to strive it needs to 'change things up a bit'.  A wise man once told me that the 'definition of insanity' is to do the same things over and over and expect a different result.

My comments or opinions may 'ruffle a few feathers' or spark some backlash but I hope it at least generates some much needed discussions. Development is a fact of life in tourism and those who continue to object are only stunting the growth of the tourism industry in the area.
 
In all of my trips over to NZ, USA and Canada visiting travel wholesalers and interacting with potential travellers the one common comment was the fact that the beach was basically unswimmble for six to eight months of the year.

This is a major issue and being a warm climate people want more than the small resort pool to swim in.  Airlie Beach and Cairns recognised this was a must to keep tourists in the towns for longer. Port needs to follow this lead and get this done!

There have been many discussions on this idea but still there is nothing complete. It needed to happen five years ago. People who have an area to swim, relax and take in the gorgeous views Port has to offer will stay longer. And people who stay longer, eat, drink, shop - everyone benefits!
 
The Reef and the Rainforest will continue to be the big 'twins' who are the major draw cards but it is a fact the town needs more.

Tourism bodies need to continue to promote the destination by visiting the major suppliers but they also need to have a look at what other tourism bodies are doing for some 'fresh ideas'.

It is times like now that are going to be tough for all and more group discussions amongst operators need to occur with less 'us against them' mentalities. Many ideas formulated together sometimes bring out the ideas that may seem 'left of centre' but can often be the best.
 
I have a great love for the area and the people of Port Douglas and know that the tourism industry is in for more challenging times, but debates, discussion, and  grand ideas will show results.