Port Douglas Events Mean Big Business

Port Douglas Carnivale

From sports to food, art and culture, Port Douglas will host six major events over the next 12 months, cementing its place as one of the top choices in Tropical North Queensland for event organisers.

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer Doug Ryan said the seaside town, on the Great Barrier Reef, was fast earning a reputation as the place for quality events including Port Douglas Carnivale and the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival.

He said there were wide ranging benefits associated with hosting events of this scale, including their ability to drive tourism, strengthen the economy and generate high visibility media coverage.

"What is being achieved is in line with the current regional tourism events strategy and is a great economic boost for the Douglas region."

He said almost $1 million dollars was injected into the local economy in February this year as the town welcomed 27 rugby sevens teams from Queensland and Papua New Guinea for the Port Douglas Rugby Sevens competition.

This competition, which is expected to grow to around 60 participating teams in coming years, will be held on March 1, 2014 and March 7, 2015.

"It is Port Sevens' intention to seek sides from the key domestic markets of New South Wales and Victoria as well as other domestic capital cities with a strong rugby presence but there is also huge potential for international markets such as Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and New Zealand."

Other events include the Great Barrier Reef Marathon to be held November 3, 2013, the Marlin Challenge from November 6 to10, 2013, Cairns Airport Adventure Festival on June 2, 2013, and the Exemplar Clipper Cup on May 14 to 18, 2013.

Port Douglas Carnivale, which is now in its 19th year, is also one of the largest events to be held in Tropical North Queensland.

With music, arts, sports, cuisine, culture and entertainment, it is a major drawcard for intra, inter-state and international visitors.

Popular events during the 10-day program, which will run from the May 15 to 25, 2014, include The Longest Lunch, Food, Wine and A Taste of Port, Palates of Port, A Taste of Paradise and the Seafood Extravaganza. 

For more information, please contact:
Doug Ryan, Executive Officer
Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree
Phone:  07 4099 4588 / 0417794875
Email:  eo@visitportdouglas.com