Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef doubled the number of business events secured in 2016-17 for the destination which will deliver a $45 million boost to the Cairns regional economy.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Director of Business and Tourism Events Rosie Douglas said her team had confirmed 46 corporate and association business events compared to 23 the previous financial year.

“There has been strong interest in the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef destination with the team chasing 90 leads compared to 67 the previous year,” she said.

“Almost half of both the secured events and the leads were international clients wanting to take advantage of increased flight access to Cairns and the competitive Australian dollar.

Douglas said the international clients as mainly coming from destinations such as China, North America and New Zealand,with their events to be held through to 2020.

“Both the western and eastern markets are seeking nature-based experiences making our destination the perfect fit with our dual World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest.

“Cairns and Great Barrier Reef has unique off-site event spaces while our tropical climate is ideal for outdoor events year-round.

“We have sophisticated business tourism infrastructure, an international airport close to the city and expertise in key innovation industries.