TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen, joined a delegation led by Neil O’Brien from Gulf Savannah Development and including Jacinta Reddan from Advance Cairns meeting with the Mayors, CEOs, Councillors, key staff and operators along the Savannah Way last month.
The communities of the Gulf Savannah have an ambitious tourism vision to grow visitor spend by $1 billion across the Savannah Way by 2032 but have faced challenges. The negative press associated with the weather events in the first quarter of 2025, including TC Alfred, has resulted in significant cancellations in the region.
The closure of the Jardine Ferry through most of May has encouraged some travellers to head west on the Savannah Way but overall numbers are down on previous years. Competition from the cruise sector and overseas travel has also impacted the number of predominately domestic travellers on accommodated tours across Northern Australia.
TTNQ attended the launch of the Carpentaria Shire travellers guide, an impressive new brochure with stunning images of the region and used the tour to introduce the new Savannah Way International Trade Brochure. It was a great opportunity to talk about the upcoming campaigns with Gulf Savannah Development, Drive Queensland and our Drive Tropical North Queensland campaigns.
The delegation heard first-hand the challenges faced by the region in response to flooding, and the ongoing challenges faced by many in the region, the vital importance of sealing the Savannah Way and working in partnership across Northern Australia to grow tourism.
The key infrastructure, policy, crisis response and recovery needs of the region will be discussed at the Developing Northern Australia Conference in July and members are encouraged to attend as Cairns hosts it for the first time in many years.
The appointment of Senator Nita Green as Assistant Minister for Tourism, Northern Australia and Pacific Engagement is welcomed and TTNQ looks forward to working with her in her new role.
[TTNQ Fortnightly Pulse newsletter article – 5 Jun 2025]