Cairns and Great Barrier Reef open for business

Business events can now take place in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef as venues and accommodation are now open for business under the Australian state of Queensland’s Covid-Safe plans. Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef’s general manager Rosie Douglas said there was a “strong interest” in the destination for events as planners looked to “regional areas where delegates could enjoy space”. She said: “The Cairns to Brisbane route is now the busiest in Australia with more flights scheduled for September to meet the demand. “Direct Gold Coast and Darwin flights are being introduced from 1 September and the Adelaide flights have been so successful that they are returning to 100% of their pre-Covid capacity next month. “Event planners even have a new venue to consider with the newly upgraded Cairns Airport domestic terminal ideal for interactive welcome events.” In addition, Cairns Convention Centre is set to complete its A$176m (US$126m) refurbishment. The Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef team are conducting face-to-face site inspections for Queensland-based organisers and receiving leads for events up until 2025. This month Cairns Airport celebrated the completion of the A$55m (US$39m) T2 Domestic Terminal upgrade after 18 months of construction and three years of planning. Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Cairns Airport have joined forces for a campaign focusing on the wellbeing and safety of travellers to the region. Cairns and Great Barrier Reef themed Covid-Safe signage, including posters, floor stickers and digital screens plus floor-to-ceiling imagery, feature throughout the refurbished Terminal.