Sell TNQ Workshop 2006 is a Smash Hit with Buyers and Sellers

The Cairns & Region Convention Bureau concluded its second Sell TNQ Workshop 2006 recently with a total of 28 buyers and media from Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane flown to Cairns to meet suppliers, undertake venue inspections, receive up close and personal contact with the rainforest and the reef and participate in a number of incentive-like themed activities.

A full day workshop split between the colonial style Cairns International Hotel and the Cairns Convention Centre provided attendees with intimate one-on-one settings to learn about new developments in the business events arena in Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas and establish working relationships with regional industry principals.

Australia’s only Angsana Resort & Spa is a high end corporate and executive retreat, said Morag Ritchie, Director of Sales.  The only five star resort in Palm Cove situated on absolute beachfront also caters to unique corporate incentives.  A new addition to the line-up of facilities for guests staying in the 67 room getaway is wireless access in all rooms and public areas.  This even extends to the beach so that executives can get a little sun while checking their email.

Events NQ is the largest supplier of equipment to special events, exhibitions, conferences and incentives in the North Queensland region, said Rebecca Hogben, Event Sales.  The company is well underway in its planning for the next Food, Wine & a Taste of Port.  This event will be held over two weekends for the first time in mid May 2007.  Around 5000 people are expected to attend the event which has an emphasis on wine tasting and gourmet food.

Kylie Milton, Function Coordinator, Cairns Colonial Club Resort is also looking to next year when the 345 rooms of this 4 star Cairns property will be thoroughly refurbished.  Set in 11 acres of award winning gardens, the hotel was complimented with the construction of a stand-alone conference centre in 2005.  While the hotel has traditionally received group traffic from the UK and USA a new market has emerged with groups coming from the subcontinent, notably India, she said. 

Located on the Great Barrier Reef, 45 minutes from Cairns and an hour from the Cairns International Airport, Fitzroy Island is undergoing a major redevelopment with 48 two bed dual key apartments and a conference centre to be completed by 2008, said Peta Zietsch, Sales & Marketing Manager.  Some 94 per cent of Fitzroy Island’s 339 hectares are untouched national park and the new accommodation complex will be the exclusive retreat on the rainforest dotted island.

The “Tamrind” Restaurant at the Sofitel Reef Casino Cairns was recently in the news, said John Forde, Conference Sales Manager, because it won a Queensland Tourism Award.  The hotel’s 128 rooms which feature beds imported from France – the smallest 5 star hotel in Cairns and the only property with a cabaret night club – were refurbished in 2004, he said.  The first ACCOR hotel in the world to be associated with Casino Austria is also unique because it features a glass domed wildlife park on the roof.      

Skyrail has been voted the Best Major Tourism Attraction in Australia three times in 11 years, said Holly Newton, Sales Executive.  A novel incentive for groups is that the services of an informative nature guide and ranger can be organised.  The 7.5 km long Skyrail makes stops at two scenic areas where visitors get an insight into the ancient World Heritage listed rainforest.  The attraction also features a rainforest regeneration program for group visits.

During her presentation, Regina White, International & Domestic Sales Manager, Capta Group, said that the company is involved in seven different business operations ranging from white-water rafting and a butterfly sanctuary to coach tours and the Cairns Wildlife Dome.  The newest enterprise for the four year old company is Jungle Tours which operates tours to Cape Tribulation where accommodation is available ranging from backpack economy to 4 ½ star comfort. 

Ivana Andacic-Tong, Sales Executive, Kuranda Scenic Railway, said that even after 115 years the famed hinterland railway is still able to attract visitors with something new and exciting.  With the advent of Gold Class Service which features red cedar panelled carriages, brass fittings and continuous beverage service the heritage tourist train is now able to offer a premium product for the convention and incentive market.  Two more Gold Class carriages being built in Townsville will join the fleet of luxury rolling stock in June.

Whitefield House Cairns is “the most exclusive property in the city”, said Harriet Donnelly, Sales and Marketing Manager.  Surrounded by a conservation park, the gated property has just five luxury king size spa suites that opened last year.  The house was built in the 1920s, she said, and it is now an upmarket retreat featuring original art and antiques.  Gourmet cooking classes for up to 16 clients can be organised as a unique incentive or as part of a conference.   

Sell TNQ Part 3 continues tomorrow

The next Sell TNQ Workshop will take place in mid 2007.  Conference and incentive organisers and other buyers wishing to receive an invitation can express their interest by emailing [email protected].  Participation will only be confirmed after qualification criteria are met. 

Requests to be placed on the mailing list for the e-mail newsletter Tropical Insight and to receive a copy of the detailed Cairns and Region Convention Bureau Meeting and Incentive Planners’ Guide can also be sent to the same address. 

Check www.tropicalaustralia.com for updated information about the next TNQ Workshop.

Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King, TravelMole’s Travel & Lifestyle Correspondent.