The Australian Financial Review reports there is a movement in the Australian economy away from big mining investment and more towards the tourism and services-driven sectors, especially on the east coast.

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The latest hotels.com index shows that room rates are escalating in Queensland’s Port Douglas and plunging in resources-dependent destinations such as Darwin and Perth.

With a drop in the average price paid by both international and domestic travellers together with a decrease in occupancy Darwin accommodation houses are undergoing a tough challenge.  The resources slump was also felt in Perth, reports the Australian Financial Review article.

On the flip side, the article reported by Larry Schlesinger, states that the surge in room rates for Port Douglas is up 14 per cent.

This can be attributed to the lower Australian dollar and an increase in low airfares by domestic and Asian carriers.  Also with the $40 million refurbishment of the iconic Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas “that put Port Douglas on the map in the late 1980’s”. 

Added to this list is the $3 million investment in The Reef Marina expansion and investments and enhancements in the Daintree Eco Lodge, Combined Club, United Backpackers and Cape Tribulation business Jungle Surfing and Jungle Lodge, together with investments in the top end luxury property market on the rise, there is little doubt that optimism is in the market.

The Mantra Group, the country’s second biggest tourism operator also reflects this movement within the tourism sector. "Leisure is looking better, that's a theme you can definitely espouse," said Mantra boss Bob East.