Cairns has become the first non-capital city to host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific with more than 350 delegates gathering at the Cairns Convention Centre to discuss the future of aviation on July 30 to August 1.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland General Manager of Partnerships and Events Tara Bennett said hosting the Summit in Cairns would add first-hand experience to the compelling case for the city to be included in more aviation routes.
“It is a privilege to be the first non-capital city to host this event highlighting the strong demand for Tropical North Queensland’s nature-based experiences backed by a mature and professional tourism industry,” she said.
“Our ideal geographic positioning backed by the growth industries of tourism, high-value agriculture, marine industries and critical minerals will help delegates to understand why Cairns should be Australia’s northern aviation gateway.
“The conference also provided an immediate economic boost to the region, generating 1020 visitor nights and an estimated $1.2 million direct spend across the three-day program.
“Tropical North Queensland’s appeal as a ‘bleisure’ destination meant many delegates took the opportunity to stay longer and explore our two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Wet Tropics rainforest after the event.”
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said CAPA was recognised globally as a pivotal and influential force in the aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors.
“Our region is poised to become the primary gateway to Northern Australia. Hosting CAPA in Cairns presented invaluable industry and business opportunities as we continue this exciting growth trajectory,” he said.
“It gave us rare access to a range of airline executives, right here at home, putting Cairns front and centre as our industry’s top executives discussed global travel trends.
“The Summit was a critical opportunity to show them firsthand the enormous appeal of Tropical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.”
CAPA Director of Events Claudia Kunz said Cairns was a top destination with everything within walking distance after a short transfer from Cairns Airport into the city.
“There are a wide range of fantastic hotels to choose from, including four and five-star options and then you have the Cairns Convention Centre with amazing conference facilities,” she said.
Cairns Convention Centre General Manager Janet Hamilton said the Centre’s team was proud to have the Cairns Convention Centre serve as a hub for collaboration and connection among global aviation leaders.
“This prestigious event was a natural fit for our city and our Centre, especially as aviation connectivity and innovation remain top priorities for our clients and delegates,” she said.
“The Summit allowed us to showcase the Centre’s world-class facilities and its capacity to deliver seamless, high-profile events that inspire meaningful industry dialogue.”
The Summit came a week after the Developing Northern Australia Conference was held at the Cairns Convention Centre bringing more than 400 delegates and speakers from across the Asia Pacific region, positioning Tropical North Queensland as a key player in the development of Northern Australia.
Cairns Airport currently connects the region to key international routes with direct flights to Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Indonesia, driving the region’s tourism industry, which supports one in six jobs in Tropical North Queensland.
In the 12 months to June 2025, Cairns Airport serviced 4.9 million passengers, acting as more than just a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but a vital link connecting Queensland to the world.
Cairns Airport secured the Summit supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
TTNQ Contact: Liz Inglis | [email protected]| 0419 643 494