Budget Analysis / Tourism Port Douglas Daintree funding slashed, Douglas Chamber of Commerce funding approved

Many in the Douglas Shire tourism industry have been left scratching their heads and questioning the future of independent, professional, destination marketing organisation TPDD.

Rhys Bawden, owner of Salsa Port Douglas, commented Tuesday’s announcement of TPDD’s funding cut could, “only be described as an absolutely devastating, narrow-minded decision from a Council that has no real idea of the work TPDD does for our tourism industry.”

The announcement saw the region’s only recognised local tourism organisation, with 162 members representing 184 products, have its funding slashed by close to 50% – down to $250 000 paid quarterly over 12 months.

Volunteer organisation, the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, representing 26 members pre-COVID has been funded $50 000 over 12 months.  Douglas Chamber of Commerce has offered free membership to businesses as a support through COVID, and the new funding will assist the Chamber in rolling out activity in line with their funding KPI’s once determined.

While State Governments have been known to provide support funding to regional Chambers, most recently the Tasmanian Government announced twelve regional Chambers would receive approximately $8 300 each, funding of Chambers by Council is not common.

Mr Bawden also expressed his concern regarding the potential curtailing of TPDD’s independence.  As a former TPDD Board Director, Mr Bawden pointed out TPDD was, “set up to promote tourism under the guidance of its board of business leaders, not to operate as another arm of the Council.” 

Mr Bawden made it clear TPDD was, “answerable to the businesses of the Douglas Shire and what is best for them – not Council.”

Another local business owner, Dr Doug Quarry from Retro Port Douglas apartments, expresses shock and dismay at the reduced funding to TPDD.

“Since our launch, I have received fantastic support from Tara and her team. TPDD has advised on marketing opportunities, introduced me to an international supplier, and more recently we have been in discussion about the WorkSafe Australia guidelines for the COVID-related cleaning of short-term rental apartments. With the upcoming return of some domestic tourism, I was banking on TPDD to be ramping up the great job they do with “destination marketing.” I also feel it is important that TPDD be able to continue international marketing to markets that are more likely to develop travel bubbles with Australia. To cut TPDD funding just when we need them most is inexplicable”

Ms Golding’s report concluded, “a reduction in financial support to TPDD will not adversely affect their ability to target the increasingly important domestic tourism market,” making no mention of ongoing investment in the international market.

The absence of an international marketing strategy has Mr Bawden concerned.

“In these uncertain times we need to be spending more money on our tourism bodies, not cutting off one of their arms,” arguing although the region would experience a significant drop in international tourism for the next 12 months, “those of us involved in international tourism trends know money spent today, is an 18 to 24-month return on investment,” lamenting, “if we do not continue international marketing, we will see a diminished return in the following two to three years.”   

Upon reading the 2020/2021 Operational Plan, it could be argued Council have significant changes in mind regarding the future of TPDD, noting Council would, “review the governance and funding model of TPDD, refocus the KPI’s of the organisation and build stronger ties with TTNQ.”

Ms Golding’s report also focussed heavily on the future collaboration of TPDD, DCC, and other industry groups, in collaboration with the new TEDO.

DouglasNews.Network has learned Council have recently finalised the TEDO position. The position, restructured into a job share role, sees the appointment of Mary Martin, owner of Mist at Cape Tribulation and current DSC Media and Communications Officer Amy Mail, taking on the future of economic development in the Shire together.

The motion to reduce TPDD’s funding as per Council Officers recommendations passed 4/1, but not before Cr Noli put forward an amendment, seconded by Cr Zammataro, to restore TPDD’s funding to the 2019/2020 level and roll out a three-year agreement.

The amendment did not pass.

Before voting on the original motion, Mayor Kerr noted, “TPDD also needs the Chamber.  It’s one thing to get the tourists here, but if they don’t enjoy themselves … they won’t come back.”

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