Opening a new resort just weeks before a tropical cyclone might seem like bad luck but in Far North Queensland two businesses are getting strong support from returning tourists.
Although Cyclone Jasper significantly weakened as it made landfall in December, the threat of extreme weather was enough to cause more than $270 million worth of cancellations at Queensland tourist attractions before Christmas.
At South Mission Beach, about 120km south of Cairns, married couple Kerri-Ann and Sam Charlton had just opened the first stage of their multi-million dollar refurbishment of the Elandra resort.
The property on the hills overlooking Dunk Island had sat idle under the previous ownership and was worse for wear after being targeted by thieves and vandals but now offers 20 guest rooms, a pool deck with ocean views and a restaurant.
“It was in bad shape when we took it over and we had to strip everything out and replace it,” Ms Charlton said.
There are now now plans to expand the number of rooms and host events such as weddings.
“We’ve had terrific feedback since we opened and a lot of support,” she said.
The Mission Beach area is still suffering from the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi, which caused much more damage to the region in 2011.
Cassowary Coast Tourism chief executive Patrick Bluett said there was now more confidence and significant investment in the region over the past 18 months.
“The impact was devastating and it has taken a long time to recover from (Yasi),” he said.
Cancellations had reached about 35 to 45 per cent in response to news of flooding from Jasper further north but bookings bounced back once customers realised the Cassowary Coast was not badly affected.
Further south at Townsville, The Morris Group had its grand opening for its new $88 million Ardo luxury hotel on the city’s foreshore, about a week before Cyclone Jasper.
The seven-floor building with 132 rooms, two restaurants and a rooftop infinity pool and bar did see the same wave of cancellations that hit many other far north Queensland attractions but has since seen guests return.
This AAP article was made possible with the support of Tourism and Events Queensland.
