Is Port Douglas’ tourism industry bouncing back?

Tourists flock back into town

Rowan Anderson

Journalist

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Visitors return to Hemingway’s Brewery. Image: Supplied

The lockdowns and border closures have ended and with it the international tourists and backpackers are returning to Port Douglas.

Annually 1.2 million visitors come to the region with 568,000 of those spending at least one night of their stay and contributing $561 million to the local economy.

Tourism has surpassed the sugar industry to become the lynchpin of the economy for the Douglas region with an 80% economic reliance on the industry making the Douglas Shire the most tourism-dependent region in Australia.

To call these visitors vital to local business and its tourism industry would be an understatement.

Newsport spoke with two local businesses in Port Douglas, Hemingway’s Brewery and Peppers Beach Club and asked the following question: is our tourism industry bouncing back?

Hemingway’s doors open to visitors from all across globe

Offering award-winning craft beers produced locally to all visitors, Hemingway's Brewery is excited for business to rise with increased international visitor numbers.

Hemingway’s Brewery Marketing Manager, Kim Logan, said the difference two years on was clear to see.

“It is ‘chalk & cheese’, obviously we have gone from virtually no business to being consistently in demand as a venue.

“There are a few international visitors but not the same numbers as pre-Covid. Our biggest market is domestic travellers.”

People still love to travel

CEO of Accor Pacific, Sarah Derry, told Newsport that the surge in international tourists was on the rise and that would mean great things for the region.

“International visitors are slowly returning, which is to be expected after the disruption of the past few years.

“We believe that international travel will normalise in the region within the next 18 months. As soon as borders are opened, there’s a clear surge in bookings – which is a positive indication that people still love to travel.”

Ms Derry said the choice was simple to come to Port Douglas as it was one of a clear favourites amongst travellers.

“Port Douglas is one of Australia’s favourite and much-loved holiday destinations, since the borders have opened we have seen a positive upturn in domestic tourists returning to Queensland and Port Douglas for leisure breaks with their families and friends.

“People visit Port Douglas for the many incredible experiences available in the area and the quality of accommodation and guest service.

“What I love about Port Douglas is you can make the most of its buzzing nightlife, or opt for a more relaxed holiday.”

Our town is ready to once again be a place to visit, stay and experience especially after the past two years of lockdowns and border closures.

Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas. Image: Supplied

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