G’Day Australia event expected to drive tourism upwards

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Mr Olsen said it was the first time G’Day Australia would involve all key international markets. Previously it had been split into east and west markets.

He said hosting the first Australia event in Cairns was recognition of the destination’s strong international appeal.

“In the past three years since international borders closed our region has invested significantly in new tourism infrastructure and refreshing our experiences to ensure they are world-class,” he said.

“This will be the first time the front-line travel agents who specialise in selling Australia have re- turned to our country and they will be immersed in Tropical North Queensland for five days which is a great opportunity.” The agents, half of whom have never been to Australia, will receive training and be ‘sold to’ by up to 300 tourism representatives from the Far North and throughout the country.

Tourism Australia executive general manager Robin Mack said the agents were expected to sell more Australian and tropical north itineraries “more confidently” than before.

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said G’day Australia was important for “Aussie

Specialists” agents, who were at the frontline actively selling Australia as a preferred long-haul destination and would be critical as the travel industry recovers from the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Senator Nita Green said the event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region and to rebuild the destination on the world stage.

Cairns MP Michael Healy said the event would help bring back international tourists to the region faster and was fundamental to rebuilding the overseas tourism market.

He said it would be held in the $176 million redeveloped Cairns Convention Centre.