THE damage and destruction from ex-Cyclone Debbie to some of the key resort areas of Queensland does not mean that the entire state’s tourism industry has been temporarily put on hold.

And it is for this reason the common consensus is to promote the regions that were not affected and are very much ‘open for business.’

In the words of Port Douglas tourism identity, Wendy Morris, “Queensland is a vast and varied state; and still many of our visitors don't understand that this huge mosaic means that what happens in one area may not be happening state wide - especially weather-wise.”

Ms Morris, who in June joins the Board of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and in October assumes the role of Chair following the AGM, says it’s important that we promote all our regions.

“Speaking personally, it can only be a good thing to promote the strengths and attributes of all our local regions.

“A positive perception is a rising tide for all, even when there are some areas that are hit with nature's power as mighty as Debbie. We're all tough though in this state, and the Whitsundays will build its tourism industry back quickly.

“In the meantime, we can continue to support our industry state wide by, as we always do in the tropical north, putting our best foot forward,” said Ms Morris, who has long been a strong advocate for regional tourism promotion.

Warren Entsch, the Federal Member for Leichhardt, agrees it is imperative to promote the regions that were not impacted by Debbie.

“What occurred in the Whitsundays does not mean North Queensland has been shut down. While we will offer support, hold fundraisers and assist in other ways, we still need to spread the message that resort towns such as Port Douglas are open for business,” said Entsch.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said she was confident that this region is being appropriately promoted and that it was not affected by ex-Cyclone Debbie.

“Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree (TPDD) do a fabulous job promoting our region and have my full confidence in however they choose to get the message out that we were not affected by the cyclone; and that we are well and truly open for business.

“Many of our local tourism operators are also doing this through their own channels very effectively. In this regard I’m very happy to leave the marketing of our destination to the experts who have helped drive record tourist numbers to our region in recent seasons,” said Mayor Leu.

 
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