Mayor Bob Manning will highlight the expanding aviation industry, trade links with Papua New Guinea and tropical expertise as major contributors to the Cairns region’s economic viability when he opens the International Economic Development Conference today.

The conference, jointly hosted by Economic Development Australia and Economic Development Agencies of New Zealand, will focus on harnessing opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

“Economic Development Australia has chosen to bring this conference to Cairns and we offer a warm welcome to delegates who have travelled from throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia to be here,” Cr Manning said.

“Our region is on the doorstep of Asia, so it is fitting that this conference be held here in Cairns. It is also timely, considering the introduction of direct flights between Cairns and China scheduled for next month.

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“The announcement of these new flight paths are already boosting local business and investor confidence, with the new flights tipped to deliver some $70 million in to the local economy and create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs,” Cr Manning said.

Sheryn Blundstone of Peninsula Boutique Hotel in Port Douglas told The Newsport last month that Cairns is likely to be the major beneficiary of the direct flights from China, and areas such as Port Douglas and the Tablelands still have work to do.

"On a regional basis certainly Cairns will benefit from that. The regional areas like Port Douglas, Mission Beach, and the Tablelands, there's going to be a lot more education required (for travellers) to make them feel as though they can travel a bit further out of Cairns.

"The initial influx we see coming through will be coming through in the group market.

"I believe TTNQ really need to promote further than Cairns within these markets, and I also believe the areas themselves need to be proactive and do a mission there (China) as well."