Fresh investment and the culmination of major development projects from Port Douglas to Daintree is ushering in a new era and a new injection of confidence for the region between the twin World Heritage-listed treasures of reef and rainforest.

With more than million spent in Port Douglas and Daintree tourism infrastructure over the last 12 months, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree executive officer Doug Ryan said the investment showed the strength of the region as a destination.

"When you have large companies such as Coles and Target expanding in our region, it shows real confidence. Port Douglas is rated number three as the most popular place to visit in Australia on Trip Adviser and this gives us a great boost for the future. We expect visitor numbers to build and certainly our forward bookings this year are indicating this."

Opening next week is the Mossman Gorge Gateway Centre on June 20. The centre has been built at a cost of m and will feature two indigenous walks, eco shuttles for visitors as well as an art gallery, cafe and restaurant. The Gateway Centre is creating significant employment opportunities for Mossman Gorge residents, while at the same time enhancing the visitor experience of more than 640,000 people passing through its doors each year.

"The Indigenous activities are certainly a highlight for the international visitor and being able to combine such a high end indigenous activity with the oldest rainforest in the world will be a great asset for the region," Mr Ryan said.

Hoteliers have also led the way with significant product investment. Silky Oaks Lodge located north of Mossman, has just completed a m refurbishment over two years on its 32 deluxe tree houses, 11 river houses, main lodge and two Billabong suites. The 300-room Sea Temple Port Douglas has also undergone a soft refurbishment, while the former Rydges Sabaya Port Douglas has been reborn as QT Resort Port Douglas with a hefty m spend.

Mr Ryan said apart from showing confidence in the destination, the renovations ensured the region's accommodation matched guest expectations. "We are an aspirational destination and it is important our accommodations reflect the best and deliver customer satisfaction, which translates to great word of mouth for the entire region."

Innovative new tourism products from local operators are also hitting the market. With the recent purchase of a Robinson 66 to its helicopter fleet, one of only a handful of sought after helicopters in Australia, Skysafari has recently launched its new platinum class, targeted at high value seeking holiday makers.

Platinum Class experiences offer guests the chance to uniquely access and view some of the most remote locations in Australia with multiple day air touring adventures. Escape is also the newest luxury charter vessel to sail the Great Barrier Reef and is owned by Tropical Journeys. The million 58 foot Beneteau yacht is available for private charters from Port Douglas with options for a crewed charter, skippered charter or bare boat.

Eleanor Jones of Tropical Journeys said Escape was the only luxury vessel of its kind in Port Douglas available for private charter. "She is a beautiful yacht that only takes 12 people at one time. It offers an upmarket option for those seeking a truly unique, one-off experience." Mr Ryan said it was exciting to see new products coming into the market, particularly at the top end. "Offerings like Skysafari's helicopter golf tours are so different and are touching on a new market for us."

Gourmet lovers are also in for a treat. Daintree Estate Cocoa has seen great growth since it opened its cocoa plantation last year. Growing cocoa in the far north had never been tried yet for the Daintree based company the bold move has paid dividends.

For more information, please contact Doug Ryan
Executive Officer
Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree
Phone: 07 4099 4588 / 0417794875
Email: eo@tpdd.com.au