The marketing plan and budget for Tourism Port Douglas Daintree for the 2011/12 financial year has been made available to the public.

According to the report which was posted on the Council's website last week, TPDD's marketing plan for the current year lists several key points including, but not limited to:

Increased media activity
Reduced representation at trade shows and road shows.
Continued development of social media marketing
Re-establish Reef Operators group
Establish Food and Spa groups

READ THE FULL TPDD REPORT HERE

Carnivale was highlighted for continued funding from the local tourism body with $32,500 allocated in this year's budget.

"Carnival (sic) was originally started as a key event to promote the area and provide an early start to the season.

"Under the management of the Chamber of Commerce, the event has grown significantly and will provide numerous destinational marketing opportunities. We will assess the continued plan and provide funding to Carnivale on its merit."

Despite the economic uncertainty in the UK and Europe, TPDD will continue representation through training wholesalers and marketing material distribution.

The New Zealand market is a focus for TPDD's executive officer, Doug Ryan, while there will be reduced activity in the US.

Overall, international marketing costs amount to $124,708, while domestic marketing costs of almost $156,000 are budgeted for. 

It is widely accepted that the wedding market in the Douglas region is a keystone industry that has remained vibrant despite a downturn in tourism.

The report emphasised TPDD's "continued support" of the wedding market and recognised it as an expanding industry within the region.

In 2010/11 the wedding industry received $3164 in marketing support, less than 1% of the total budget for TPDD, and in this financial year $4000 has been allocated for marketing the industry.

Mr Ryan was contacted for further clarification of the report but was unavailable for comment due to his attendance at Corroboree, a retail training event for the North American and Latin American Aussie Specialist travel agents  .

Related articles:
TPDD release key figures
Speak up! TPDD chairman urges members 

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