The Amway Korea Leadership Seminar concluded this week after a meticulously planned 22-day operation, injecting an estimated A$13 million (US$8.6 million) into the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef economy.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s CEO Mark Olsen confirmed that the event saw 2,800 delegates arrive in five waves via 20 charter flights on Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, marking a massive logistical exercise to reward Amway’s top South Korean performers with their first taste of Australia.
“Each group had two full days of touring taking in the Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda, the Daintree, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef enjoying wildlife experiences and nature, as well as golf and shopping,” elaborated Olsen.
There were also indigenous workshops, wildlife encounters, a gala dinner at the Cairns Convention Centre, and a welcome reception dinner at Hemingway’s Brewery.
The core accommodation provider, Shangri-La, The Marina Cairns, managed 5,536 room nights, requiring rapid logistics to handle the back-to-back groups.
Its general manager Golden Whitehead noted the hotel successfully executed three-hour turnarounds of rooms between waves, managed complex dining requirements, and utilised in-house Korean chefs while sourcing nearly all products locally.
“Fogarty Park alongside the hotel was transformed into a picnic-style festival for the afternoon of arrival allowing delegates to relax on deck chairs, listen to music, and enjoy customised mocktails and local gelato,” added Olsen.
Local DMC Arinex ensured the programme was culturally rich and sustainable. Arinex’s CEO Maree Di Pasquale highlighted the weaving of authentic Indigenous culture throughout the programme, delivered with respect for the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji traditional custodians.
The Queensland Government and Tourism Australia, through its Bid Fund Program, supported the event.
