Business
3 June, 2021
Port Douglas And Daintree Leads The Way In Barefoot Luxe
A FRESH push to attract world-class corporate getaways to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest is underway with the launch of a dedicated planner guide.
Business Events Port Douglas, a marketing co-operative administered by Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD), has proudly launched the Port Douglas Business Planner Guide to encourage business leaders to leave skyscrapers for sandcastles and swap business suits for bare feet by coming to Port Douglas to experience the World Heritage-listed wonders.
The inaugural guide is packed with destination must do’s, easy to read capacity charts and itineraries for uber luxe incentive programs, sustainable conferencing, and partner programs.
It will be distributed to organisers looking to bring their next business event to Port Douglas and is part of a brand refresh designed to cement the tropical paradise’s position as a leader in barefoot luxury.
TPDD Chief Executive Tara Bennett said the refresh would build on Port Douglas’ already strong reputation in the lucrative incentive and conference sector.
“The new Business Planner Guide and fresh content will help secure high-yield business for the destination,” she said.
“With an unrivalled natural playground alongside sophisticated conference facilities and an unmistakeable throw-off-your-shoes vibe, we expect delegates to relish the natural beauty, balmy climate and relaxed professionalism that attracts conference and incentive groups all-year-round.”
“The Port Douglas Business Planner Guide is backed by industry research to hone in on the needs of planners, elevating Port Douglas and the Daintree in the minds of business leaders seeking a sustainable event.”
“Our diverse range of accommodation, means there are plenty of options for a variety of sizes and budgets, from an intimate incentive for ten couples to an annual conference for 800 delegates.”
Located only 72km north of Cairns Airport along the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef Drive, Port Douglas village is renowned for its casual luxury, award winning accommodation and dining, attractions and special event providers.
The Port Douglas and Daintree region pre-COVID welcomes 426,000 overnight visitors annually, generating $540 million while supporting over 2,500 jobs.
TPDD estimates the business events sector is conservatively worth $14.5 million in direct expenditure and $43 million of indirect expenditure to the local economy.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, Senior Sales Manager, Matthew Sturt, said timing of the business guide was perfect.
“After months of restrictions and endless zoom calls, corporate business event planners want their teams to meet and connect face to face. The guide and brand refresh will keep Port Douglas and Daintree top of mind for event planners,” he said.
“The Business Planner Guide makes it easy for event planners to make informed decisions on the most appropriate venue and local suppliers in Port Douglas and Daintree for their next business event.
“When delegates arrive, they instantly feel relaxed with the natural exotic resort style feel of the destination, you can see the look on their faces as the city stress melts away.”
Many business event groups stay for a minimum of three nights and generally include half or full day activity for delegates to enjoy, whether it is a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or the Mossman Gorge.
Local activity operators can accommodate large groups and pride themselves on creating exclusive money-can’t-buy experiences for high-end incentive groups.
Mr Sturt said after COVID devastated the business events sector last year, the outlook for the next three years was looking positive.
“Conference and incentives groups that would normally go internationally are staying in Australia and Port Douglas is perceived as a “must do” destination,” he said.
“Business event groups are already contracting business for 2022 and 2023.”
Port Douglas Events and Hire Principal Byron Kurth said the new planner would help event organisers get a better understanding of the area and what it can offer.
“This year is shaping up to be very strong – one of the busiest years on record,” he said.
“Being a safe, resort-style area with multiple attractions and dining options, Port Douglas and Daintree is naturally a very attractive location for business events.
“Event organisers are spoilt for choice with options such as 5-star luxury, fully integrated resorts, private rainforest retreats or boutique beachfront properties.”
The Port Douglas Business Planner Guide also features suggestions for ‘Tropical Team Building’ exercises, such as the Coral Reef Brief, which encourages delegates to gather real time data on its health, before collating the information and using the results to learn how to protect the reef from human impacts.
