It’s a novel idea. Perhaps a trifle unorthodox. But an eight metre inflatable snorkeller floating in Darling Harbour, Sydney, as a promotion tool could emerge as a clever piece of marketing.

As the giant snorkeller floats (see images), its message is inviting Australians to holiday in ‘Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’; and discover why the tropical destination is the preferred summer playground for visitors from around the world.

The promotion is part of Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s ‘Summer Great. Leave Greater.’ campaign supported by Tourism and Events Queensland.

Pedestrians at Cockle Bay saw the inflatable snorkeller and evening projections on the Australian National Maritime Museum’s roof showcasing the beauty of the world’s largest and most diverse reef.

TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the Summer Great campaign showcasing unique tropical summer experiences would encourage holidaymakers to fly to Cairns where one in five people’s livelihoods depend on tourism.

“Holiday numbers traditionally spike to around 58,500 a day in ‘Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’ but the pandemic has seen visitation fall to 8900, so capturing the domestic audience and their pent-up desire to travel has never been more important,” he said.

Classifieds: Douglas Shire Public Notices and Council Notices

“With international borders not opening until at least mid 2021, the region is facing a major shortfall in visitation in summer.

“Australians have traditionally travelled to ‘Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’ to escape their winter with many believing it is too hot and wet in summer, but locals disagree.

“Summer is a very special time of the year in the tropics as the warm rains arrive to regenerate the world’s oldest rainforest and its waterways, while the winds subside on the Great Barrier Reef resulting in crystal-clear water.

“This summer presents a unique opportunity to experience internationally-famous Cairns as a pure Aussie destination and to see it in a new light during the season when the landscape regenerates and the wildlife is more active,” he said.