Cairns Edu-Tourism a major drawcard for international students
Cairns has positioned itself as a premier Educational Tourism destination by capitalising on a well-established tourism industry with a global presence. Edu-Tourism is an experience in which people travel across international borders to acquire enhanced learning outside of a traditional classroom environment. As the region’s leading education and training network, Study Cairns is holding an Edu-Tourism workshop focusing on emerging trends and opportunities for Cairns in this burgeoning industry.
Cairns has traditionally been a favoured destination for students who have been visiting the north Queensland city on Study Tours for approximately 30 years. With a reputation for premier educational standards, a tropical climate, pristine environment and a safe, friendly community, more than 23,000 students choose Cairns as their preferred study location each year. Japanese students have led the way since the 1980’s, combining English language tuition with visits to the region’s famous tourism attractions.
These days international students travel to Cairns from across the globe, predominantly from Asia, including South Korea and China, along with Europe and South America.
With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Cairns’ doorstep and direct flights between Cairns and Tokyo, the Edu-Tourism workshop will explain how businesses can diversify tourism products to get ‘education ready’ and work with educational institutes and agents.
Study Cairns President Carol Doyle said that “Study Cairns embarked on a Trade Mission to Tokyo and Osaka in 2015 with the aim of reconnecting school Principals and education agents. Cairns has always been a popular destination for Japanese travellers. Our mission was to emphasise Cairns’ credentials as a significant Edu-Tourism destination.”
The response from school Principals, parents and education agents was overwhelmingly supportive for new educational tourism product development.
“The mature and loyal Japanese market is seeking fresh options for students and Cairns is well placed as a tourism and hospitality training destination leading into the Tokyo Olympics,” Ms Doyle said.
Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) are strong long-term advocates of Study Cairns and regional International Education & Training under the Study Queensland brand. This is demonstrated through financial support for the Edu-Tourism workshop. Additionally, TIQ Executive Director, Rebecca Hall features as a keynote speaker on the topic of Education & Tourism – What does it look like?
Cairns Regional Council recognises the economic and cultural impact International Education & Training has on the regional economy and proudly supports Study Cairns in taking the lead on developing the growing Edu-Tourism industry.
Find out about the latest Edu-Tourism industry trends and opportunities at the Edu-Tourism Workshop to be held at Pacific Hotel Cairns on Thursday 6 October 2016. Email Study Cairns on info@studycairns.com.au to reserve your place.
For more information:
Carol Doyle | President | Study Cairns
www.studycairns.com.au | info@studycairns.com.au | 0418 11 99 46