Page 4 - Port Douglas Magazine 28

Publisher’s
LETTER
W issue.

elcome to Port Douglas and our beautiful region and welcome to our Endless
Summer Issue. Apologies for interrupting your holiday or moment of reflection but
we like to take this time to provide a little update and insight into the making of each
Issue 28 marks the milestone of two catalytic events in the Port Douglas timeline.
Though I’d understand if you think they are on slightly different scales.
Firstly, we sit on the eve of a $200M hotel development that many expect can return Port
Douglas’ tourism appeal to the dizzying heights of the Skase era in the late 1990’s.
Secondly, we announce the launch of the Port Douglas Magazine and Travel website.
Queue fireworks!
2019 has certainly been made more buoyant with the announcement by the Crystalbrook
Collection that they will be proceeding with their luxurious waterfront hotel development in Port Douglas. The project is expected to commence early
2020 and finish by 2022. This, in addition to their $700M hotel investments in Cairns, has brought a significant rise in regional confidence. See page 94.
Now, as I mentioned, this issue represents the launch of another significant event, while not maybe in the same context as Crystalbrook’s $1B investment
(wow!) but game changing for us nonetheless.
For 10 years we’ve produced what we believe is a reflection of all things great in Port Douglas and Daintree in a single publication.
In recent times, our advertising partners have questioned whether the magazine should shoulder some of the destination marketing for the region and
not only be placed in hotel rooms and magazine stands for you, the readers, to indulge.
We are happy to share that we have taken up this challenge and changed the way we think and invest in the destination marketing space.
The team has focused their energies in two new areas; building visitor campaigns and increasing destination distribution. Each campaign focuses on
a quintessential attribute of Port Douglas. We invite you to take the magazine home, give it to a friend or if you’re reading this in a Virgin Lounge or
somewhere other than downtown Port Douglas, book your first ever visit.
In Issue 26, we launched the Port Douglas Stories of Romance with an 18-page romance and wedding section, we distributed the magazine to six
national Wedding Expo Australia events and erected the now insta popular “lock your love heart” at Crystalbrook Marina. See page 41
This issue we bring to life the Port Douglas Endless Summer. Endless Summer shines the light on the April-May months and how savvy holiday
makers can take advantage of more favourable pricing by airlines and accommodation providers. See page 60.
To share the campaigns further, the Port Douglas magazine is now available in 8 major city Virgin Airport Lounges around Australia for the next 12
months. Virgin is the perfect partner to our new focus on destination marketing. Virgin tells us the magazine has an accessible readership of 51,000
passengers via the 8 lounges every month.
Finally, and most significantly, after 10 years the magazine has launched its own magazine and travel website.
Why? Well it’s about time many might say! But there is a reason and we are very committed to it. You see, every booking you make online that is
not directly with a hotel or tour in Port Douglas tightens a multinational giant’s grip on our little town.
Last year operators estimated up to $20M was collected in commissions by online travel agencies.
Booking direct with hotels puts this money straight back into the hands of the managers and owners,
helping them reinvest in their products and your future holiday experiences. The new magazine travel site, CONTRIBUTORS
tourismportdouglas.com.au is dedicated to supporting hotels and tours by giving visitors access to the best direct
pricing and best direct service with no sacrifice on speed, security and convenience. Chris Beckswith
Making sense? Megan Bell
Local accommodation and tour operators will welcome your direct booking with open arms, renewing what has Larah Cook
been part of the magic of Port Douglas for more than 30 years, the customer service. John and Jenny Edmondson
So, when someone asks you, “Did you book direct?” Now you know why. GBR Foundation – Media
OK, I’ve either bored you senseless or bored you senseless but I have good news. The next margaritas are on us. GBR Legacy
Queue fireworks (again)! Well, they will be for sure if everyone books direct. Simon MacLeod
Have a fabulous stay and be sure to take a copy of the magazine home to give to a friend. Nadia & Becks
Cheers Karen Pereira
Sam Reef and Rainforest Foundation
tourismportdouglas.com.au Clinton and Lozen Schultz
Seamus Lunt
Grahame Wearne
Adrian Whittaker
“Step into our World - Endless Summer...” campaign partner Whileaway Bookshop & Cafe
@mycolourfulworld_ is the brainchild of travel and lifestyle
photographer Katie Purling.
Quickly consumed by visual arts in 2015, Katie has gone from
strength to strength pursuing a profession that has truely inspired GUEST WRITERS
her. With a camera in her hand, she has captured images that
convey not only deep emotion but that inspire a little bit of magic! Cassie Flinn
This issue sees Katie in Port Douglas in April showing just why this Amie Thompson
time of year is a great time to visit. Sharon Timms
Need motivation to book your next holiday? Look no further! Tom Volling
Rob Whyte

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Perrin Clarke Photography
Katie Purling Photography
Alison George – Catseye Productions

4 tourismportdouglas.com.au