Sports Events

Sports Tourism has been identified in the TNQ Regional Economic Plan as a key driver in the diversification of Tourism.  This inclusion has arisen from research and recommendations the TNQ Events Strategy, which was released in June 2010.

A number of opportunities to lead the diversification into sports tourism have been identified by TTNQ, and include:
1)    The attraction of “high participation / visitor numbers” sports such as national and international masters sports events and national championships, with a particular focus in adventure sports that can promote TNQ as the “adventure capital of Australia”.  The Cairns Airport Adventure festival Cairns Ironman is one example of this type of sporting event.
2)    Identification of “high profile” sports with broadcast opportunity, that, while lower in participation numbers, offer good media leverage and exposure for the region.  This includes the current Toyota AFL match played in Cairns between Richmond Tigers and the Gold Coast Suns.
3)    Collaboration with James Cook University in the development of a Cairns campus of the Australian Institute of Sport that focuses on tropical expertise in sports.

TTNQ is working with key stakeholders, including Events Queensland, Cairns Regional Council, Advance Cairns and James Cook University to drive this diversification.   

In a historic move, TTNQ was successful with a grant application from the Department of Sport and Recreation “Jobs Plan “program to secure funding for three years for a Sports Coordinator. Sue Carroll, who commenced in the role in March 2012, is working closely with number of sports in the region to identify and bid for sporting events.    

Visit the Sports Events website

Sue Carroll Sports Coordinator Phone: (07) 4015 1212 Fax:     (07) 4051 0127 Click here to email me Contact me: For assistance with bidding to host a sporting event or for assistance with marketing your sports event.