36 final year MBA students will be in Port Douglas from next Thursday as work continues on the Melbourne Business School's 'Revitalising Port Douglas' project.

The students will meet with the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree in an effort to develop a strategic plan for the town that aims to return prosperity to the region.

The students will undertake an introduction to Port Douglas seminar at the Sheraton Mirage on arrival and tour of the town, before heading to the Port Douglas Community Hall where sessions will be held with focus groups in the days following.

Topics for discussion will include Tourism, Marketing, Social and Community. Information will also be gleaned through meetings with individuals. A broader survey of the community is being planned for later next month.

Doug Calvert from the Chamber of Commerce said the students are highly skilled in their chosen field.

"The students are mature age candidates from the University of Melbourne MBA undertaking a final year elective in integrative studies. With backgrounds in finance, marketing, engineering and general management, they will bring a collective wealth of experience to the project.

"They will be led by professional consultants who will bring their own considerable intellectual input and experience to the project," Mr Calvert said.

"Our view is that the time is right to develop a plan to revitalise Port Douglas as a tourist destination as well as look more broadly to opportunities which may be available to Port Douglas."

The timing of the visit has been planned to coincide with low season so that contributions by Port Douglas stakeholders do not incur any opportunity cost.

Considerable public interest in this innovative project has already been generated, with the Chamber of Commerce recognising The Newsport reader's comments as well as through the Gazette and ABC News.
 
"The expectation is that the results of this study will yield tangible benefits to the Port Douglas community and business interests," Mr Calvert said.

If you're interested in participating in the focus groups and individual meetings contact Melissah Norris on 0448 441 987 or 4084 0044 or email mel@carnivale.com.au.

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