L-R Tony Baker, Bob East, Pat Rafter, Dale Flack

Australian tennis legend and Mantra Hotels Ambassador Pat Rafter has headed to Tropical North Queensland to experience the ultimate family holiday itinerary.

As part of his Mantra duties, Pat has been given the ‘tough’ task of road testing the region’s attractions for future Mantra Resort guests to experience.  From kayaking in Palm Cove; heading up on the Skyrail to Kuranda; feeding the Crocs at Hartley’s; taking the Dreamtime walk at Mossman Gorge and diving and snorkelling on the Reef with Quicksilver, Pat and family will experience the best of the region.

“All of these activities are within an hour or two from where we are staying with Mantra in Palm Cove and Port Douglas which just makes it so easy,” Rafter said.

“That’s what you want when you’re holidaying with the kids – the easier the better. It’s all about spending quality time together.”

During his visit to the region Pat took to the tennis court at Mantra’s sister property Peppers Beach Club and Spa in Palm Cove, partnering with Mantra Group CEO, Bob East against local tourism identities, Tony Baker, Managing Director for Quicksilver and Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) representative Dale Flack.

Mantra Group CEO Bob East said the ‘friendly’ tennis match which resulted in a set each ultimately showed off the team work that exists between the various tourism organisations.

“Having Pat in the region is a great way to showcase what is on offer to our guests,” he said.

“We need these great activities to draw tourism to the region and likewise, people need places to stay that will allow them to access what is on offer.”

Operators involved in the Rafter’s ultimate family holiday itinerary include Palm Cove Watersports, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures; Mossman Gorge Visitors Centre and Quicksilver Cruises.

TTNQ CEO Rob Giason said he was proud to show off what the region had to offer: “These are wonderful experiences that the Rafters will have this week, and this is just scratching the surface with so much else on offer in the region for families to enjoy over summer.”

Tropical North Queensland is definitely back on the map for the Australian travelling public with Mantra resorts reporting a 12% increase in occupancy over the September school holiday period compared to last year.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management