General managers gather in Cairns for regional cabinet
GMs gathered at luxury resort at an event timed to coincide with the FNQ Regional Parliament sitting held at the Cairns Convention Centre
General managers from Far North Queensland’s leading accommodation hotels met at the Crystalbrook Riley Resort Cairns earlier this week to discuss the ongoing challenges the sector faces on its long road to post-pandemic recovery.
More than 20 general managers gathered at the luxury resort in an event timed to coincide with the Far North Queensland Regional Parliament sitting held at the Cairns Convention Centre.
TAA CEO and acting CEO of the Accommodation Association Michael Johnson said it was pleasing to hear the views of managers in one of the country’s premier tourist areas – and attend a post-meeting event with Cabinet members hosted by the Queensland Hotels Association.
He said: “It was great to be able to connect with about 20 GMs from Far North Queensland and members of the Queensland Government – including the Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchliffe.
“Like the rest of the country, the Far North faces challenges with labour and skills shortages, but here the lack of affordable housing for workers is another added barrier to getting staff.
“The pent-up domestic demand gave hotels a boost when pandemic restrictions first lifted, but that has returned to a more seasonal normal and the focus is now on the return of international tourists.
“Many members were excited direct flights from NZ and Singapore had returned – with Japan directs to resume next month – bringing a much-needed major tourist market back to the area.”
Mr Johnson also gave an update on the amalgamation of TAA and the Accommodation Association “which is now only weeks away and will see a united, single voice for the accommodation sector.”
QHA CEO Bernie Hogan said: “It was a great opportunity for the QHA, TAA and AA to come together and deliver an informative update to members along with networking with the Queensland Government in Cairns”
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