 |
| Mark Olsen, John O'Sullivan |
The strong results demonstrate growing confidence in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland as a world-class destination, with major investment strengthening accommodation, attractions, adventure tourism and sustainable visitor experiences.
Record International Visitor Spending
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen and Chair John O’Sullivan revealed the destination's latest achievements in the 2025-26 TTNQ Annual Report.
International visitor spending reached $1.3 billion in the year ending March 2026, an increase of 27.6 per cent compared with the previous year.
TTNQ's marketing campaigns have played an important role in attracting international travellers. Since the pandemic, the organisation has secured an additional $18 million in Federal Government funding to help rebuild international tourism and promote Tropical North Queensland as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Campaign activity generated an estimated $267.5 million in visitor expenditure and supported approximately 1,450 additional local jobs.
Major Tourism Projects Transforming Cairns
 |
| TTNQ |
The Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa is nearing its opening, while construction is underway on the $60 million Skyhaven accommodation development at Cairns Airport.
The $85 million Skyrail Rainforest Cableway upgrade is another major project, strengthening one of the region's most iconic rainforest experiences.
The Morris Group's $40 million redevelopment of Double Island is also adding to investment momentum. The project is designed with sensitivity to the island's spectacular natural environment.
Ecotourism and Adventure Take Centre Stage
Sustainability remains central to the future of Tropical North Queensland tourism. The region is uniquely positioned as the only place in the world where two natural World Heritage areas sit alongside each other: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest.
Major government investment is supporting this natural tourism advantage, including $15.5 million for the expansion of Smithfield Mountain Bike Park and $59 million for the Wangetti Trail.
Together, these projects are expanding opportunities for visitors seeking hiking, cycling, rainforest adventures, wildlife experiences and sustainable tourism.
Tropical North Queensland Tourism Vision to 2045
 |
| TTNQ |
The plan was developed following consultation with more than 230 stakeholders through 32 regional workshops. It identifies priorities across ecotourism, events, connectivity, visitor experiences, destination branding and industry development.
TTNQ has set a stretch target of $10 billion in visitor expenditure by 2045, exceeding the forecast of $8.6 billion.
The long-term vision is for Tropical North Queensland to become Australia's number one ecotourism region and a world leader in adventure and regenerative tourism.
A More Sustainable Future for Tourism
The region's future tourism strategy focuses on attracting visitors who value the environment, respect local communities and connect authentically with First Nations culture and stories.
The approach aims to ensure tourism delivers benefits for local communities while protecting the natural landscapes and World Heritage environments that make Tropical North Queensland internationally renowned.
With record visitor spending, major infrastructure projects and a clear 2045 tourism strategy, Tropical North Queensland is positioning itself for sustained growth while placing ecotourism and responsible travel at the heart of its future.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Website: https://tourism.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/Email: info@ttnq.org.au
Phone: +61 7 4037 2700
Address: 15 Lake Street, Cairns QLD 4870, Australia
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment