Hot Seat
Presenting a new-look Cairns & Great Barrier Reef We've collated the highlights of the last five years’ worth of changes in the region, and we think you’ll agree it’s high time you travelled north again.
A “We invite you to embrace the spirit of this place, where stories are shared and memories are created.”
26 Spice Autumn 2022
lot has changed in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef in the last five years, with investment in the region at an all-time high. After two years of COVID-affected travel, Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef general manager – partnerships and events, Rosie Douglas invites you back to explore the improved ‘natural place to meet’. Among the new developments is the Cairns Airport Domestic Terminal, which Douglas says has undergone a $55 million renovation and now welcomes visitors to the region with a fresh new look. “The large-scale refresh included a total restructure of the departure and arrivals lounge, and brand-new restaurants and retail outlets.”
A pristine region Cairns & Great Barrier Reef understands that event organisers, companies and delegates want to reduce their environmental impact, stage events with purpose, and give back as part of their event.“We do too,” Douglas adds.“The bureau works with operators that lead the way for your eco-sustainable event. An hour north of Cairns, Port Douglas Daintree was the first in the world to achieve Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification.” The region created Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef to harness the human interest in the planet’s iconic natural wonder and mobilise them to protect, experience and learn about the World Heritage area. Delegates can become citizens and contribute by volunteering.
“Reef Restoration Foundation created the first Great Barrier Reef coral nursery at Fitzroy Island. They grow coral on frames and then replant them on nearby reefs, accelerating the growth process and enabling reefs to recover from bleaching and cyclone damage faster,” Douglas says. “The idea that delegates can actively contribute to reef health through the Foundation, is a massive delegate booster.”
New accommodation partners Crystalbrook Collection joined the Cairns skyline with three new five-star properties. The first, Crystalbrook Riley was followed by Crystalbrook Bailey, and Crystalbrook Flynn. The development added 877 accommodation rooms to the city’s inventory, alongside versatile event spaces and a swathe of chic restaurants and bars. QT Port Douglas rebranded to Oaks Resort Port Douglas, leading the way for sister property Oaks Cairns to arrive as well, with a $12 million conversion into a five-storey hotel, complete with rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the Coral Sea. "With the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas Resort’s $40 million chic-coastal transformation and the arrival of new hotels, all of our top tier properties were inspired to upgrade,” Douglas says.“Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort has a new lobby, guest rooms, alfresco restaurant and bar, and five revamped meeting spaces.”And the refurbs don’t stop there.
