Retail
Re-Vitalising Port Douglas
January 26, 2012
Melbourne Business School (MBS) Joint Project – Re Vitalising Port Douglas
The difficult business environment facing Port Douglas over the last few years is the greatest concern of the Chamber. We recognise that we need help to identify strategies which may assist us in these difficult times. The Chamber now has the opportunity to work jointly with the MBS to first research the issues and then recommend strategies which may be adopted to improve our business levels. This project will produce a five year strategic plan to revitalise business. The project will commence on 2 February when 35 final year MBA students will be in Port Douglas working with the Chamber of Commerce, Cairns Council and Port Douglas Daintree
Tourism to research the issues.
The students are mature age candidates for the University of Melbourne MBA undertaking a final year elective in integrative studies. With backgrounds in finance, marketing, engineering and general management, they will bring a collective wealth of experience to the project. They will be led by professional consultants who will bring their own considerable intellectual input and experience to the project.
The Chamber views this as the right time to develop a plan revitalizing Port Douglas as a tourist destination as well as look more broadly to opportunities which may be available to Port Douglas. We are fortunate to be working in conjunction with Australia’s leading business school to get this process started. The expectation is that the results of this study will yield tangible benefits to the Port Douglas community and business interests.
If you want to input your ideas send your vision to secretary@portdouglaschamber.com.au
A welcome dinner will be held at Salsa on 2 February for the 35 students , the faculty staff and a limited number of business and community members. The cost for the dinner is $45 and bookings can be made online at http://www.trybooking.com/BDCP
Cruise Ships
December 9, 2011
Since our involvement with the Port Douglas Cruise Ship strategy initiated in 2008 by
Chamber members, Meridien Marinas and tourismportdouglas.com, the Chamber has
worked to ensure that the approximately 20,000 cruise ship visitors yearly are
welcomed and provided with general and specific information on their arrival.
The Chamber has employed a cruise ship representative and, together with TPDD, has
embarked on a Cruise Ship Meet and Greet Program which has attracted eight
volunteers to date. So, not only do they take away a positive memory of
their short visit but we have had confirmations from accommodation providers
that some of these visitors have returned within six months.
As some comments have been made by the passengers that our port is a bit ‘ho hum’
the organizers of the Program will be approaching music students to entertain
the visitors in 2012 And the passengers seem to respond to any children
in the welcome party … missing their grandchildren maybe?
We are expecting 26 ships in 2012 with the first arrival on the 18th of January and final arrival on the 12th of December. To check on the 2012 cruise ship schedule and any additions or cancellations, go to: Cruise ship schedule and scroll down to Port
Douglas.
Posted in Economic Development, Retail, Tourism | Tags: Cruise Ships, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree | 
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New Chamber Committee Member Annetta Tantanis
November 21, 2011
New Chamber committee member Annetta Tantanis was the Young businsess Achiever Award winner at the recent Port Douglas business awards Click Here . Annetta is the manager of Tshinta and Tshinta owner Julie Bell has provided this short profile of Annetta Click Here
Business Assistance Workshop – Wednesday, 7 September, 2011
August 31, 2011
The Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce has organized a Business Assistance Workshop.
The information that will be provided by the representatives of the participating organizations is essential for the business community to access available programs and financial assistance.
This includes assistance for businesses that have suffered financial loss as a result of the cyclone or turn down in business due to the difficult economic environment; businesses wanting assistance for financial applications or tourism businesses wanting advice to increase their business performance.
Links to each of the websites is attached to enable a better understanding of what they provide.
http://www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx
http://www.advancecairns.com/bec/
It is important that the business community attends this workshop, not only to access the assistance and information, but to ensure that the government assistance continues. If there is not a strong take up in government assistance they will stop providing these programs. Our community needs to have a voice to the local, state and federal governments regarding local business challenges.
Take-up of these programs ensures the concerns and needs of business are communicated loud and clear.
BOOK HERE
Posted in Business Improvement Seminars, Retail, Tourism | Tags: Govt Assistance, Seminars | Comments Closed
Challenge Cairns organisers reply to feedback
August 15, 2011
Tammy Barker, Challenge Cairns project manager for USM Events has replied to feedback the Chamber (Doug) collected and submitted to the event organisers immediately after the two weekends of Challenge Cairns, regarding a number of issues.
Dear Port Douglas Businesses,
USM EVENTS are aware that the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce conducted a post event survey on the ‘Cairns Airport Adventure Festival’ which specifically included improvement opportunities surrounding our Port Douglas focused events, Coral Coast Triathlon, RRR Mountain Bike Challenge, Hekili Mountain Bike Challenge & the June 5th Cairns Airport Challenge Cairns.
We understand that large scale events of this nature do often create an inconvenience to businesses and residents and will continue to work with the Port Douglas community and leaders to minimize the effects where possible. We have thoroughly debriefed the event and taken into account your feedback and look forward to working alongside residents in the region to create a wonderful festival atmosphere in 2012.
The opportunities are endless to showcase our stunning locations to the rest of Australia and the world.
We have some great ideas and look forward to hearing yours too.
Kind regards,
Tammy Barker
Senior Project Manager
Cairns Airport Adventure Festival
Posted in Economic Development, Retail, Tourism | Tags: Challenge Cairns, Sporting Tourism | Comments Closed