Between meetings and trans-Pacific flights, United States Consul General Hugo Llorens travelled to ‘The Tip’ of Australia for an obligatory photo at the northern-most point of the country.
Accompanying Llorens on the trip was Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) CEO, Alex de Waal, Chair Max Shepherd and Director Paul Fagg.
As the United States government’s official representative in Australia, Mr Llorens said he wanted to learn more about the economic conditions in the Torres Strait and Cape York region and other important issues for the local people.
He explained that developing closer ties across all communities is a ‘priority’ for the US’ diplomatic mission in Australia.
“Australia is a remarkable country and the Cape is as pristine as it gets.”
Hugo Llorens, TTNQ CEO
“It’s just absolutely gorgeous. It’s the prettiest country you can imagine.”
Mr de Waal met with many of TTNQ’s remote northern-most members taking the opportunity to do site inspections of their operations.
“Instead of returning by plane we chose to drive from The Tip of Australia through Cape York to Cooktown to allow Mr Llorens to experience first-hand the adventurous activities that are available in this wonderful frontier region,” Mr De Waal said.
“We will be camping under the stars, casting a lure for a barramundi and sharing a yarn around the campfire each night just as the tens of thousands of travellers who drive through Cape York do each year.
“The North American market is the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region’s second largest with 119,000 visitors for the year ending March 2015 and is expected to perform strongly in the near future with the lower Aussie dollar.
“This market primarily wants to see the Great Barrier Reef and among other activities enjoys wildlife, Indigenous culture and fishing – all of which are very much a part of the Cape York wilderness experience.”