“There was an amazing diversity to the groups that came from around the world to Port Douglas to see the Total Solar Eclipse. Some of these groups were booked for more than three years,” he said.
As a result, Mr Ryan said occupancy levels continue to be at an all time high for this time of the year. The average for this period is generally around 40%.
“Reports from accommodation providers is that from now right through to Christmas, there are strong bookings. Historically, the last two weeks in November and the first two weeks in December are our quietest but it is likely occupancy levels will remain well above the previous year.”
Mr Ryan said the town operator’s including restaurants and retailers were further bolstered by the arrival of two cruise ships on Monday and Tuesday - The Dawn Princess and The Pacific Dawn - which each brought an additional 1200 visitors per day to Port Douglas.
While Mr Ryan said they were still counting the exact figure as to what the eclipse meant to the local economy, he said the figure will add to what has been a really positive year for operators in the region.
“2012 has the Douglas region rebound to visitation numbers not seen for several years,” he said.
Mr Ryan said the added exposure from programs such as Channel 7’s Sunrise, Channel Nine, as well as internationally from Rueters and Nipon Television, was priceless and its value for the future shouldn’t be underestimated.
“All eyes were on north Queensland yesterday and it was a great opportunity to showcase why Port Douglas is the destination of choice for many.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact :
Doug Ryan
Executive Officer
Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree
Phone: 07 4099 4588 / 0417794875
Email: eo@visitportdouglas.com (mailto:eo@tpdd.com.au)
Web: www.visitportdouglas.com (http://www.tpdd.com.au/
