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In 2012, Tropical North Queensland will experience one of the world’s great astronomical events – a total solar eclipse. On the morning of Wednesday 14 November 2012, the earth will be plunged into darkness as the moon passes in front of the sun.
This remarkable event is destined to be one of life’s awe-inspiring moments not to be missed – and as such, has spurred a number of experienced tourism companies to form a commercial working team to best assist in maximizing its potential in the tropical north.
Spanning some six different organizations representing restaurateurs, tourism marketing professionals, Music festival specialists and coach, airline and reef tour operators, a commercial alliance has been formed to ensure the region is well placed to benefit from this natural occurring event while providing the necessary infrastructure for visitors to capture the eclipse in its magnificence and glory.
Spokesman for the group, Todd Parker of Parker Travel Collection said, “In December 2002, the Solar Eclipse at the small township of Ceduna in South Australia attracted over 40,000 people – which as a destination was considered the prime observation point.
“Given the 2012 eclipse will pass directly over areas within TNQ, we are confident of attracting the same number of observers – at the very least. With the possibility of coastal cloud cover affecting visibility, it has believed the best place to view the eclipse will be on the Tablelands and out on the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.
Currently this initiative is handling enquiries from scientific astronomers and a number of festival organizers who are planning to stage some of the largest music events in the region coinciding with the eclipse.
Robin Macpherson who has been in Cairns for the past four years planning such events, said “In 2002 over 8000 people went to the Outback Eclipse music festival. In 2012 we would expect substantially more given the accessibility and natural beauty of the region. We look forward to working hand in hand with local operators to present a whole series of inclusive ticketing options.”
Parker Travel Collection has offices in Cairns, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. For further information, contact Todd Parker, Parker Travel Collection on 07 4055 6122, mob: 0417 440 922, email: or visit the website on www.parkertravelcollection.com
