A weekly re-cap of the events that have made news in Cairns over the past week.

Monday April 30, 2001 12th Edition

Last weeks ANZAC day ceremonies saw record crowds come out to show their respect for all fallen soldiers. Initially started as a remembrance day the combined Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who lost their lives in World War 1, ANZAC day now remembers and respects all soldiers who have fought in conflicts around the world. Other news includes a local push to wipe out the crown of thorn starfish infestations on several local reefs, a dramatic increase in Japanese tourist arrival figures and a visit to Cairns by a leading anti-landmine Nobel Peace prize winner.

Crowds flock to ANZAC Day remembrance ceremonies
ANZAC day ceremonies in Cairns and throughout Australia have had record attendances as large crowds flocked to pay respect for all members of the armed forces who have served in wars in the past 100 years. The principal of the ANZAC's started in World War 1, during which time 60,000 Australians lost their lives between 1914-1918. The ceremonies have expanded to show respect and gratitude for all members of the miliary who have fought in other wars and who are serving at present. Their sacrifices have inspired the nation and the large turnout at the ceremonies has shown an overwhelming support for the annual event.

Survivor II fever helps to promote Cairns
Cairns and the tropical north is definitely in the spotlight with North Americans, thanks to the overwhelming success of the Survivor II series. The series has been watched by an estimated 43.5 million people since its debut which has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of people showing interest in visiting region according the Tourism Tropical North Queensland representative Alisa Taylor. Ms Taylor is currently in the USA leading a tourism mission consisting of delegates from Cairns who are travelling throughout the country to promote the region and their products. The theme for the mission is "Survive and Revive in Tropical North Queensland".

Ansett to launch a $20 million dollar marketing campaign
Ansett airlines has announced a $20 million dollar advertising campaign to offset the negative impact of recent bad publicity surrounding the grounding of all 767 aircraft in the company's fleet. This advertising campaign is expected to be Australia wide and it is also expected that an announcement of new fleet details will form the basis of the campaign. The grounding of the Ansett planes has cost $4.24 million dollars to date however Ansett Chief Executive Officer, Mr Toomey, stated that future bookings were strong and cancellation rates had remained constant during the problem.

Nobel Prize winner visits Cairns
Tun Channareth was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1997 for his work on to help ban landmines around the world. Mr Channareth lost both of his legs in a landmine explosion on the Thai-Cambodian border in 1982 when he was 22. He used an axe to sever one of his shattered legs so that a friend could carry him 30km to a medical clinic where his other leg was amputated. His visit to Cairns is to promote a worldwide campaign for an end to the use of landmines by military forces.

Festival Faire to undergo $14 million revamp
One of Cairns oldest shopping centres is set to undergo a $14 million revamp that will give it a new name, new image and new tenants. Festival Faire has suffered as larger more modern centres have opened around Cairns and as a result the major revamp and renovations are expected to dramatically improve trading for the centre.

Crown of Thorns starfish eradication plan intensifies
The crown of thorns starfish is a constant threat to the Great Barrier Reef. Periodically the starfish reproduce in enourmous numbers, which can then destroy large sections of reef. The reason for these periodical infestations is uncertain and tourism operators have undertaken several eradication programmes including the physical removal of the starfish from the reef to injecting the animals which a copper solution to kill them. An intensive campaign to kill off the starfish on the most effected reefs off the coast of Cairns will commence in June. A joint fighting fund of $600,000 has been raised towards the project.

Backpackers opt for less work and more pleasure
Recent surveys have shown that a new type of backpacker has landed in North Queensland. These visitors are choosing to visit the region purely for holidays rather than as a working holiday destination. They are booking their airfares, turning up and then making their accommodation and tour bookings once they arrive. As a group backpackers are spending less time in Australia according to Stephen Welsh, the president for the Tropical North Backpackers and Hostel Association. As a whole the tourism industry is not as segmented as it used to be. Information is much more accessible and as a whole people are more experienced at travelling.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park expanded
Waters at the mouths of rivers and ports along the Queensland coast are expected to come under the banner of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park later this year. This move by the State Government is a positive step to recognising that the greatest risk to the marine parks comes from land based pollution. By having more stringent controls on coastal waterways the overall potential risk of pollution should be decreased significantly.

Japanese tourist arrival figures booming
In the first three months of this calendar year Japanese arrival figures for Cairns are up by 34%, the highest growth period in the history of tourism for the region. Whilst the factors that are contributing to this growth are not clear it is believed to be a mix of tougher economical times in Japan which tend to force people to holiday in shorter haul destination such as Australia. The weaker Australian dollar is also a contributing factor and one that results in Australia being an excellent holiday destination with regards to buying power. Marketing in Japan has changed over the past three years with more emphasis placed on the natural attractions in Queensland and this is also believed to have had an impact.

Swiss Tourist given large fine for bringing in prohibited items
A Swiss Tourist was fined $6000 for trying to bring in fresh sugar cane, milk and disease-ridden banana leaves into Australia through the Cairns International Airport. A Cairns magsitrate handed down the heavy fine due to the serious nature of the material that was not declared. The fine sent a clear message to all tourists to declare any food or produce that they are planning to bring into Australia.