Growing international tourism numbers is a priority

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He said leisure travellers were still missing, at only 42 per cent of 2019’s figures, especially in the eastern markets of China, Hong Kong and Japan.

Mr Olsen said international flight search data for Cairns showed growth in January but dipping in February. It was the strongest in Europe, the UK, New Zealand and Japan.

“There will be slower forecast recovery from China, with the strongest growth from Europe, India, Japan, the UK and USA,” he said.

Mr OIsen said the region’s regional expenditure of $4bn was sixth in Australia (up from 7th in

2021), behind Sydney ($7.7bn), Melbourne ($7.5bn), Brisbane ($5.5bn), Gold Coast ($4.2bn) and North Coast of NSW ($4.1bn).

“Easter bookings are slightly just behind 2021 and 2022, stronger again from June-July school holidays, stronger still from August onwards,” he said.

Mr Olsen said forward busi ness events bookings were strong for 2023. Demand for corporate travel was up 76 per cent compared to 2019.

He said the strengths and priorities from now until 2025 included: a world-leader in sustainable tourism with over 182 accredited experiences, a leading destina- sive tourism with an opportunity to extend that advantage with the Year of Accessible Tourism grants, the third most visited destination for Indigenous experience, eco-luxury positioning a strength as international travellers seek a point of difference and aviation trends towards more fuel-efficient aircraft.

A NEW grants stream has been established by Cairns Regional Council to support small, community-based revegetation projects. “While council already has funding agreements in place with several organisations, including Holloways Beach Coastcare Inc, Treeforce Association Inc, and Mulgrave Landcare & Catchment Group Inc, this new grant stream will allow other community groups to apply for grants of up to $20,000 to help fund revegetation projects,” a council spokesman said. “Community groups will also be able to leverage in-kind support from the council nursery, through the purchasing of native plants to support the delivery of projects in a cost and time effective manner.”

Youth Survey

MISSION Australia is calling on all young people aged 15-19 to have their say in the charity’s 22nd annual Youth Survey. Visit www. missionaustralia.com.au to take part.