Tropical North Queensland is till much loved by grey nomads. PIC:: Tourism Queensland
The tourism industry in tropical north Queensland has been hit hard by the extensive reporting of the flooding in the area, according to industry experts.
The Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) organisation says the flooding and the return of the annual monsoon has frightened travellers who don’t understand that rain is very much a part of life in the Wet Tropics.
“The Tropical North Queensland economy has weathered these troughs before and our resilient tourism industry has bounced back,” said TTNQ’s Chief Executive Officer, Pip Close. “However, this time we will be fighting to re-emerge in a very different marketing landscape.”
She said that, with even more destinations vying for the visitor dollar and in an age of disruption, there were a multitude of ways to get attention. As well as the growth of the digital world,
Ms Close said the tourism marketing had shifted from featuring destinations to promoting experiences and the places where these experiences can be enjoyed.
“When times are tough Australians are renowned for helping friends and neighbours,” she said. “The tourism industry needs similar support — take a tour, invite the rellies for a holiday, share great photos on social media.”
And in a call to action, Ms Close called on everyone to recognise how important visiting places in the tropical north was to a multitude of people.
“We need to take stock of what tourism does for,” she said. “Providing jobs, enhancing our lifestyle, supporting our community endeavours, protecting our environment and enabling our economy.”
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The far north is still a beautiful place any day of the week
If the government fixed the bloody goat track up there they might have more chance.We will be heading west to help the likes of Winton ,Julia Creek and the flood affected farmers.They are in more need of help than the tourist areas. Stevo.
With free camping diminished and caravan parks charging $35+ a night without anything to show for it and indeed often being home to undesirable kinds up here….I’m not surprised people are avoiding it.