Finalists announced in ‘Take Me To Cairns’ social media competition

— 24 Apr, 2019 —

Finalists announced in ‘Take Me To Cairns’ social media competition

Study Cairns in conjunction with Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) has announced the five finalists that have been chosen in the ‘Take Me To Cairns’ social media competition. The competition is aimed at students in Japan wishing to win an international study tour to Cairns with a prize package valued at over $8,000.

Entrants were required to research Cairns as a study destination to produce a short video clip on the theme ‘Why Cairns is a great place to study’ and publish on their Facebook page. Finalists were judged on originality and imagination with a video that best captures the essence of studying in Cairns. All entrants were required to submit videos in English language.

Generous support from local education, tourism and accommodation operators resulted in a highly sought-after prize package including return flights from Tokyo or Osako to Cairns, accommodation, English language study, wildlife internship as well as admission to Cairns tourism attractions.

Study Cairns President Carol Doyle says the competition increases exposure for Cairns as a desirable international study destination providing a quality education for Japanese students.

“Cairns is a popular destination for Japanese travellers with direct flights between Cairns and Tokyo and Osaka making it the closest and most accessible English-speaking city from Japan,” Ms Doyle said.

“The mature and loyal Japanese market is seeking fresh options for students and Cairns is well placed to showcase our its position as a leading tourism and hospitality training destination. Partnering with TTNQ for this competition capitalises on relationships that Study Cairns has nurtured during Japan Trade Missions in 2015 and 2017.”

Study Cairns is supported by Cairns Regional Council and is co-funded with the support of the Queensland Government’s International Education and Training Partnership Fund, managed by Study Queensland.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning said Council was proud to support the initiative.

“The exciting ‘Take Me To Cairns’ social media competition is a unique way to promote our destination to the important Japanese market,” said Mayor Manning.

“Council is committed to our partnerships with Study Cairns to grow this important market and ensure Cairns remains a premier destination of choice for international students.”

“Our city attracts over half of all international students in regional Queensland, and Council proudly supports Study Cairns to continue its work to grow our international student numbers.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Pip Close says the high calibre of the entries showed that Cairns is a sought-after study destination for Japanese students.

“This competition will further enhance the region’s reputation as the ideal place to learn and play in a spectacular natural environment,” Ms Close said.

The ‘Take Me To Cairns’ competition winner will be chosen from the five finalists and requires each entrant to submit a further two videos.

As an Ambassador for Study Cairns, the competition winner will showcase Cairns as a desirable international study destination for Japanese students.

Study Cairns is delighted with the generous support from members who have donated prizes for the competition. The winner will experience up to three months in Cairns as a student, enrolling in English language classes at various education institutions whilst staying at accommodation specifically suited for international students. Additionally, the winner will interact with local culture and wildlife, undertaking tours around the region including to World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Finalist’s videos, in no particular order, can be viewed here:
Kana Yamase

Nodoka Kitai

Honoka Takayasu

Misaki Wakanabe

Sayuri Okuda

The ‘Take Me To Cairns’ social media competition winner will be announced on 28 May 2019 with the winner completing their journey to Cairns by 31 March 2020.