Tropical North Queensland toasts the arrival of Japanese guests

Horse riding at Mena Creek

A group of VIP Japanese travel executives have been flown to Tropical North Queensland by Continental Airlines, to promote linkages between Cairns and Japan through Guam. The group of 12 Japanese travel agents, wholesalers and Continental Airlines staff will be immersed in the best of the tropical north over the next five days. By the time these travel executives leave the tropics, they'll know this great region inside out.

Their action-packed itinerary includes horse riding, cruising to the Great Barrier Reef, hot air ballooning, white water rafting, visiting local zoos, a scenic trip to Kuranda and site inspections at a range of hotels. Continental Airlines has strong connections into a number of Japanese cities and currently operates two weekly services from Guam which help to bring more Japanese visitors into Cairns.

This familiarisation tour is part of ongoing work between Tourism Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Continental Airlines to boost awareness about access and activities in the north. The group will also participate in an industry networking event on Friday, to talk with representatives from the local industry about future opportunities to promote the tropical north to the vital Japanese market.

Fitzroy Island

In 2010 Tropical North Queensland welcomed more Japanese visitors than any other region in Queensland, with 111,000 Japanese travelling to the area an increase of 25 percent on the previous year.  There was a positive turnaround in the number of Japanese travellers to the region last year, thanks to the reinstatement of direct Jetstar services and through the continued support of Continental Airlines.

The visit also complemented a recent Japanese media visit to the region which was part of the Nothing Beats Queensland recovery strategy. Additionally new marketing campaigns have been rolled out in Japan targeting commuters in Tokyo's high traffic trains and subway stations.

 

Wrights Lookout - Kuranda

Maori Wrasse, Turtle Bay, Agincourt Reef

Clown Anemone fish