Experience tandem skydiving over Mission Beach.

From March 4th to 8th, the Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) delegation, led by CEO Mark Olsen, embarked on a visit to China with nine leading tourism enterprises from the region. The delegation visited Shenzhen and Guangzhou, engaging with Chinese travel partners through seven tailored events to showcase Tropical North Queensland's unique tourism resources. Home to two World Heritage sites—the world's oldest rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, the only living organism visible from outer space—the TTNQ delegation aimed to strengthen its presence in the Chinese market and accelerate the return of Chinese tourists to the region. Currently, the number of Chinese visitors to Tropical North Queensland is steadily recovering. In the year ending September 2024, international visitor numbers have rebounded to 61% of the same period in 2019, with Greater China representing the market with the greatest growth potential. Data from the Tourism Research Australia (TRA) indicates a full recovery of Chinese visitor numbers by 2027. Mr. Mark Olsen, CEO of TTNQ, stated: "Since reopening after the pandemic, TTNQ has collaborated closely with Cairns Airport and industry partners to rebuild air capacity to and from China. During the 2025 Lunar New Year, Cathay Pacific reinstated seasonal direct flights from Hong Kong to Cairns, and the frequency of flights connecting to Tropical North Queensland via major Australian cities is also increasing. Capitalizing on the growth of outbound tourism from China, we conducted 26 marketing campaigns last year with partners including airlines, online travel agencies, wholesalers, retailers, and major social media platforms. We also provided online and offline training to over 1,400 Chinese travel professionals, highlighting Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef to Chinese travelers. In 2025-2026, TTNQ will further strengthen its collaboration with the Chinese travel industry to build deeper partnerships. We anticipate China becoming our largest international source market in the near future. The Queensland Government's Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF) has played a crucial role in supporting the resumption of seasonal flights between Cairns and China. Looking ahead, we aim to solidify Cathay Pacific's direct flights and actively pursue the addition of seasonal flights with China Southern Airlines, providing more convenient travel options for Chinese visitors to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef." Another highlight of this trip was the TTNQ delegation's visit to the Huawei headquarters in Bantian District, Shenzhen. With the rapid global rise of Chinese digital intelligent enterprises, Tropical North Queensland's tourism industry is collaborating with China's leading technology industries and digital ecosystems. As a smart marketing platform based on Huawei's HarmonyOS ecosystem, Whale Eco leverages data science insights and technological capabilities to provide users with innovative lifestyle and travel recommendations. Tropical North Queensland aims to utilize Whale Eco to showcase the beauty of its rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef to high-net-worth individuals in major Chinese cities, enhancing the region's brand presence in the Chinese market. Mr. Roderic Rees, Managing Director of Cairns Adventure Group, stated: "Cairns Adventure Group eagerly anticipates the return of Chinese visitors to Tropical North Queensland. Our region's hotels, attractions, tour operators, and local businesses are well-prepared and enthusiastically await their arrival. Tropical North Queensland's unique natural beauty, warm hospitality, and diverse experiences make Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef the ideal destination for Chinese travelers to connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and create unforgettable holiday memories." Mr. Benjamin Woodward, Director of Sales and Marketing at CaPTA Group, commented: "Since the mid-1990s, China has been a core market for CaPTA Group. Over the years, we have worked closely with our Chinese partners, witnessing the evolution of consumer demand, particularly the recent trends: the transformation of traditional group tours in both format and demographics, and the rapid rise of tech-savvy young independent Chinese travelers seeking experiences distinct from previous generations. In 2025, the Year of the Snake, my zodiac year, we are delighted to see a robust recovery in our business during the Lunar New Year period. I am thrilled to return to the Chinese market for the first time since 2019, reconnecting with industry partners to discuss key strategic initiatives and create a new chapter of prosperity together." Ms. Fiona Stillwell, Chief Commercial Officer of Experience Co, stated: "Undoubtedly, the Chinese market is of paramount importance to Experience Co. Not only are Chinese visitors a significant contributor to our market share, but their enthusiasm for diverse adventure experiences provides valuable insights into their preferences. Joining the TTNQ delegation on this visit allows us to engage directly with key Chinese travel industry representatives and gain a deeper understanding of the personalized needs of Chinese travelers from different regions. This will enable us to tailor our sales support, product development, and marketing initiatives to the Chinese market, achieving mutually beneficial outcomes."