Douglas businesses forge new links /24 March
Douglas businesses forge new bonds at expo
Thursday March 27 2014
The Douglas Chamber of Commerce says it's optimistic the region's economy is growing ahead of a potentially 'bumper' tourist season.
More than a hundred business people gathered at the inaugural Douglas Regional Business Expo at the Port Douglas Community Centre on Thursday, keen to forge new links in the community.
Douglas Chamber of Commerce President, Phoebe Kitto said sustained growth over the last two years was an encouraging sign.
"I've certainly heard good reports in terms of forward forward bookings [for accommodation]," Ms Kitto said.
"It's lifted business confidence and when people are confident they invest.
"It's fantastic to see the tide turn."
Ms Kitto said even though tourism drives more than 85 per cent of the Douglas region's economy, other operators weren't being ignored.
"Tourism is the main income stream, there's just no question about that," she said.
"But it doesn't mean everyone runs a hotel or restaurant.
"There are your electricians, painters, chefs, everyone feeds off that dollar.
"We want to help build those relationships."
Wedding Lounge manager, Ben Keating said several business opportunities had emerged from the expo for his new company.
"There have been a couple of good leads and people we've been able to catch up with that we otherwise would have been to busy to speak to," Mr Keating said.
The Wedding Lounge started last year and helps visitors to plan their nuptials.
"It's like a wedding info centre," Mr Keating said.
"Most of our wedding are for people who come from interstate and a lot of them don't know the suppliers and intimate details with organising weddings up here.
"So it just makes it easier for them and the business we refer them to."
H20 Warehouse's Lee-Emma Smith said the event exposed the pool services company to a wide range of business operators.
"It's good seeing other businesses that you normally wouldn't within our region," she said.
The expo featured several guest speakers including new Douglas Shire Council CEO, Linda Cardew.
