Citizen science activities and carbon offset partnerships are being used as key ways to attract events and delegates to North Queensland.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) General Manager of Partnerships and Events, Rosie Douglas, said nature is a key selling point for the destination with events staged against the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef and one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests.

“Delegates can make greater connections through new citizen science activities and leave knowing the region is looking after the future of its natural assets with the greatest number of eco-certified experiences in Australia,” she said.

“Cairns is a walkable city with accommodation, meeting spaces, restaurants and the Reef Fleet Terminal all within walking distance of the Cairns Convention Centre which is only a 10-minute drive from Cairns Airport helping to reduce the footprint of delegates on the ground.

“Events can further reduce their carbon footprint with the Reforest carbon offsetting partnership to revegetate the habitat of the region’s endangered tree kangaroos.

“Monitoring reef restoration sites and helping to care for injured turtles at Fitzroy Island can be used as team bonding activities, while every visitor to the Great Barrier Reef assists its health by contributing to an Environmental Management Charge.”

Ms Douglas said custom tours and experiences with the rehabilitated country of the Mandingalbay Yidinji people can teach delegates about the work to strengthen the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience and use traditional knowledge to revegetate the reef’s catchment.

“Indigenous guides also share their knowledge on Great Barrier Reef trips with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel and the new Reef Magic pontoon or join an immersive cultural rainforest experience in the heart of the Daintree National Park at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre,” she said.

“Nowhere else in the world can offer world-class tourism infrastructure and two stunning World Heritage Areas as the perfect backdrop for offsite events and gala dinners with the wow factor that event planners crave.”