At the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) last week, Lisa Woollfe. Townsville Enterprise director of Tourism and Angela Gage, tourism development manager caught up with Kiwi buyers as part of an overall effort to boost this market.
Woolfe visited New Zealand recently and met key product managers to promote Townsville but also hear their feedback on how the destination is perceived.
‘We have plans for consumer media in New Zealand and we are bringing some Kiwi influencers over to Townsville to try to build awareness. We are predominately a domestic destination but we are aware of interest and opportunities out of New Zealand so the trade can expect to hear more from us.
Woolfe points out that there are up to 13 daily flights between Brisbane and Townsville. ‘Round trip TSV-BNE-AKL takes about six hours, so it’s not that hard. Then 20 minutes from Townsville you are on a Great Barrier Reef Island (Magnetic Island).’
The city has a new luxury hotel, Ardo, and Victoria Street Boutique in the affordable luxury category. It is also a gateway to island product such as Pelorus and Orpheus.
‘We actually have around 4000 accommodation rooms, from backpackers to four and a half star corporate and branded hotels and now, increasingly boutique and luxury products.’
Woolfe says Townsville is ‘not necessarily a flop and drop destination – though you can do that.’
She highlights Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park, the highest waterfall in Australia at 268 metres. Another attraction is the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), the only one in the country as well as general aquatic activities.
