Sell TNQ Workshop 2006 is a Smash Hit with Buyers and Sellers – Continued – Part 3

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.

In her workshop presentation, Destination Cairns Marketing’s Manager, Conference & Incentive, Emma O’Hehir, said her company which represented some 320 tour operators in the Greater Cairns region was “a shortcut between the supplier and the buyer”.  We not only offer better rates but we can tailor make programs to suit tour operators, conference organisers and incentive operators, she said.  The reef, Cape Tribulation and Kuranda are the company’s three biggest selling products.

Cindy Toet, Business Development Manager, Great Barrier Reef Helicopters Group, said that the company recently launched 20 new “Designer Days” helicopter programs that include such popular options as the reef and rainforest as well as spa and cooking excursions.  There’s even a helicopter package for weddings.  The company has a fleet of eight helicopters and is the only helicopter operator serving Green Island.

Opened in 1996, the Cairns Convention Centre made front page news in trade publications in 2004 when the $56 million complex took out top honours as the world’s best congress venue in a field of 162 entrants.  It’s remained as one of the world’s top four venues over the last four years, said Jenny Graham, Business Development Manager.  The centre which underwent a $10 million update in April 2005 is “the most technologically advanced convention centre in Australia”, she said.

Graham Barrie, Event Manager, Stageworks Australia said that corporate incentives make up the majority of the company’s business.  “We can tailor make an incentive dinner with a difference in such places as a rainforest or on an intimate beach with the sun setting over the Coral Sea”, he said.  The company is able to integrate everything from custom designed multimedia presentations to special effects into a memorable evening, he said.

The Quicksilver Group of Companies has added four new operations to its business in the past 18 months, said Anita Plueger, Charters, Incentives & Green Island Resort Sales Manager.  A novel product is five star beach dining on Green Island, she said.  A gourmet buffet dinner can be organised for small conferences of between 20 and 40 persons in a theatre style setting based on a Gilligan’s Island theme, for instance, she said.    

Tina Kupe, Conference Manager, Novotel Rockford Palm Cove, revealed numerous new developments during her presentation.  The 184 room hotel which is next to a 9 hole golf course underwent a $2 million renovation in June.  The hotel’s conference facility will be upgraded with new soft furnishings and a state of the art AV system in 2007.  Just 800 metres away, 40 self contained Esplanade Apartments are now Rockford owned and managed.  Meanwhile, the 100 suite Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade will open by the end of the year in burgeoning Palm Cove.

Nearing its 20th year of operations, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park continues to feature in many conference and incentive programs, said Sandra Wilkinson, Conference & Incentive Manager.  Situated on 25 acres between Cairns and Palm Cove and near one terminus of Skyrail, the multi-awarded cultural attraction offers a signature event, Tjapukai by Night.  While this journey through Aboriginal culture and history features an audio visual presentation, interaction with dancers and a dinner show, additional elements can be added for conferences and incentives.

Sell TNQ Part 4 concludes 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