24fc-festival-cairns-finalist-2008-tourism-awards-nov-08-pr

Publicity
Pip Miller PR
Ph: (07) 4032 4400
Mob: 0419 681 543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Internet: www.festivalcairns.com.au

MEDIA INFORMATION Friday 21 November, 2008

FESTIVAL CAIRNS MAKES THE GRADE AS A COMMUNITY EVENT & TOURISM DRAWCARD

At a time when its future is under close scrutiny, Festival Cairns being named Finalist in the 2008 Queensland Tourism Awards endorses its viability as the city’s most significant community event.

Last weekend the state’s peak tourism authority, Tourism Queensland, awarded Festival Cairns a coveted finalist position in the Festival and Events category of its annual awards held at Brisbane Convention Centre.

As one of the runners up to winner, 60th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, Festival Cairns showed its true potential as a tourism drawcard.

Festival Cairns is considered the state’s largest regional community event and one of Australia’s fastest growing events. The annual program takes place in August and September spanning three weeks and rolling out a diverse program of 40 plus ticketed and free of charge events.

“We have come a long way in just seven years and it shows when you receive recognition like this from industry peers. To make the finalist grade is pleasing in itself and an achievement for everyone – from event partners and sponsors to our hardworking team pulling it all together,” said Festival Cairns operations manager, Narell Black.

With success measured in terms of participation in, and subscription to, events, economic impact and ability to focus attention on the city of Cairns, Mrs Black does not feel Festival Cairns is in need of a radical change.

“In 2007 and 2008 Festival Cairns economic impact was in excess of $20 million. Not to mention attracting some 30,000 residents and visitors to the Parade of Lights or the overall event attendance figures nearing 200,000. These statistics are remarkable and just go to show what a great event Festival Cairns is – not only in the way it can focus attention on our beautiful city, but the opportunity it provides for our locals and visitors alike to celebrate all the great things about life in the far north,” she said.

At this stage Festival Cairns 09 is slated to take place between August 29 and September 19, 2009. This will be its eighth annual event.
For further information contact Narell Black on mob: 0433 078 830. For general information: website www.festivalcairns.com.au or phone EventsCairns on 07 4051 0222 or email info@festivalcairns.com.au
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