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Port Douglas is still a highly attractive destination for the meetings, incentives, conference and events market, according to a Sydney-based event company in town last week.
Alexandra Lyus, owner of On Q Event Management Pty Ltd, says Port Douglas was still high on the list of event companies and their clients due to its stunning scenery, good weather and local event partners, despite a downturn in numbers in recent years.
Sydney-based On Q Event Management Pty Ltd hosted 12 Canon employees who were part of the company's Supersonic Sales incentive last week, staying at Pullman Sea Temple Resort, visiting Port Douglas attractions and dining at restaurants.
The group arrived on Thursday and were whisked off by three GBR Helicopters to the new helipad at Hartley's Creek for lunch, took scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef, before landing at Palmer Sea Reef golf course, checking into Pullman Sea Temple resort and dining at Flames of the Forest.
The group then took a reef fishing trip on the MV Norseman and experienced cane toad racing on Friday, while on Saturday they took a champagne trike and Harley tour to Rex Range before lunching at On the Inlet and dining at the iconic Nautilus Restaurant in the evening.
Ms Lyus said the incentive could be part of a new influx of companies choosing Port Douglas as their next destination, signalling a welcome return of the market to Port Douglas after the region felt the effects of the GFC, Queensland's natural disasters and the emergence of other MICE destinations, such as Fiji and locations close to large Australian cities.
Ms Ayus said her company, along with LinkedIn online groups Sydney Referral Network (which has 1,600 members) and the Hotels Worldwide Events & Meetings group, held strong possibilities for large MICE numbers to return to the region.
'The possibilities include showcasing events, high end executive retreat programmes, EA and PA conferencing and event education.' Ms Ayus said.