EO Update, 25th July 2025

Message from Executive Officer

We’re delighted to see our Spring is Even Better Up Here campaign now live and making an impact in key southern markets.

The campaign has launched across 17 large-format digital billboards in Melbourne and 10 in Christchurch/Canterbury, along with JCDecaux panels at Christchurch Airport — inviting our southern friends to defrost in the tropics. Radio is already on air across The Edge and More FM in New Zealand, with Nova FM activity kicking off in Melbourne next week. In early August, we’ll launch the My Queensland Holiday activity as a conversion layer to the campaign to further drive shoulder season bookings. A huge thank you to our Platinum Partners for their support, and to Cairns Airport, Jetstar Australia, and Christchurch Airport for their valued collaboration.

It’s been a busy few weeks behind the scenes, securing short-lead media opportunities and delivering a high-impact campaign across our key markets.

We’re also looking forward to our upcoming Cape Tribulation networking event on 6 August. This will be a fantastic opportunity to connect with operators in the Daintree, share updates, and hear local insights. We hope to see you there.

July school holidays have delivered strong results across both Port Douglas and the Daintree, with many operators reporting solid bookings.

Next week, I’ll be attending the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit in Cairns as a guest of Cairns Airport. This is a valuable opportunity to engage with airline and airport executives from across the Asia-Pacific region and discuss air route development and global travel recovery, key to our future growth.

I'm also pleased to confirm that TPDD has been accepted to attend two major international trade events later this year:

• Australia Marketplace USA with Tourism Australia
• Queensland is Calling UK/Europe Marketplace with TEQ

Thanks to our successful Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) application, we’re able to attend both with funding support - helping us connect with key international markets and build long-term demand.

We’ve also finalised our 2025/26 Marketing Plan, which outlines our strategic focus across domestic and international markets, trade engagement, and destination campaigns.

In other exciting news, Salsa Bar & Grill shone at the recent R&CA Hostplus Awards for Excellence, winning Restaurant of the Year (NQ & NT) for the third consecutive year! In addition, Sea Bean Tapas Bar & Restaurant has just been named a 2025 AGFG Readers’ Choice Award winner. What an incredible showcase of our vibrant food and hospitality scene!

Lastly, I look forward to presenting to Douglas Shire Councillors next week - sharing an update on TPDD’s recent work and outlining our future plans across promotion, partnerships, and industry support.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support,

Emma