With occupancy increasing, a new business events campaign and Cairns Airport Adventure Festival, the coming months are looking bright for our tourism industry.

Occupancy is consistently climbing in the lead up to Easter where it peaks at 82% dropping back down to 70% by the 22nd of April. This is apparent from statistics provided by Tourism Port Dougals Daintree, sourced through online tools.

The figures are gathered from a range of online accommodation booking platforms for Port Douglas and Daintree.

• Sunday 3rd April 43% rises to 65% by Saturday 9th April
• Sunday 10th April 67% rises to 82% by Saturday 16th April
• Sunday 17th April 80% drops to 65% by Saturday 23rd April

While May occupancy is currently averaging 48%, however, considering 2020 finished at 80%, TPDD believes short lead bookings will see this rise to at least 70%. 

Work in Paradise Cash Incentive Closing Soon

With the increased visitation, regional staffing remains one of the key challenges. The Work in Paradise $1500 cash incentive scheme will be closing to new applications soon.

The Work in Paradise Tourism and Hospitality Jobs website is still live and is there to connect employers and job seekers as a one stop shop on how to stay, work and play in Queensland’s regions while working in the tourism industry.

New TA Campaigns to Fast Track Recovery

With demand strong in the short to medium term it’s important to focus on high yield markets for the long term. Tourism Australia (TA) has launched a new international business events brand campaign, There's Nothing Like Australia, and the latest iteration of the domestic business events marketing campaign, Event Here This Year.

The campaign will build on the momentum of the recent reopening of Australia's international border with high impact placements across business events and trade media; and will be supported by content, social and public relations activity. View the campaign fact sheet here.

Tree Planting Day

Rainforest Rescue's annual community tree planting day is scheduled for Saturday the 30th of April 2022. After a morning of planting trees to restore rainforest and connectivity, convoy to the site of Rainforest Rescue's new native nursery for a light lunch.

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree is developing new content to support business events organisers considering the destination and last week attended the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event in Melbourne pitching the destination to organisers for business through to 2024. 

Further details and register here.

Spotlight on Cairns Airport Adventure Festival - 9th to 12th June 2022

The Cairns Airport Adventure Festival features an event for everyone, including IRONMAN, 70.3 Cairns, Quicksilver Reef Swim – Green Island, Bright Night Run and IRONKIDS Cairns Triathalon.

The Race in paradise has earned a near-perfect satisfaction score from the athletes, with a spectacular bike course, terrific crowd and volunteer support and a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef being standout aspects.