Australia’s leading travel writers will explore Tropical North Queensland when Cairns hosts the Australian Society of Travel Writers 2019 Convention on 18-20 October 2019.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chief Executive Officer Pip Close was in Bangkok at the Australian Society of Travel Writers 2018 Convention when the announcement of the 2019 host destination was made last night (August 18).
TTNQ’s winning bid will bring 130 delegates for a 1.5 day conference in Cairns and Tourism and Events Queensland will support an educational program showcasing the region to the writers.
Ms Close said the selection of Tropical North Queensland for the convention is particularly appropriate given that the focus of the 2019 convention will be sustainability.
“Tropical North Queensland is leading the way forward in responsible and sustainable tourism thanks to a passionate industry wanting to make a difference to the World Heritage areas they live and work in,” Ms Close said.
“This convention will give us an outstanding opportunity to promote these natural environments and the sustainable way they are managed.
“Bringing this prestigious event to Cairns is part of TTNQ’s strategy to master our region’s story and be the gateway to the thousands of stories across the length and breadth of the destination.
“It is the ideal vehicle to inspire and educate leading travel writers from the Asia-Pacific region on the diverse experiences the region offers.
“The timing is perfect with more than half a billion dollars of tourism infrastructure just completed or under construction.
“The city’s newest hotel, Riley, which opens in November 2018, will host the convention. It is the first of three new five-star hotels from the Crystalbrook Collection to open in Cairns with the next two hotels opening in 2019.
“Hosting these writers will bring credibility to the destination and the PR value will be enormous with the Sunshine Coast, which hosted the 2017 convention, receiving substantial national and international media coverage, driving greater knowledge of, and increased tourism to the area.”
The Australian Society of Travel Writers is the peak travel writing body in Australia, with more than 300 members who provide exceptional media coverage of travel destinations and experiences.
The society’s annual convention may be held anywhere in the world, with previous destinations including South Africa, Fiji, Vietnam, South Korea, China, Malaysia and New Caledonia.
Convention host cities receive significant media exposure in leading Australian and international press, social media, websites, radio and television programs, and travel guides.
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