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While Cyclone Ita caused widespread damage across Tropical North Queensland over the weekend, the region avoided serious devastation. However, tourism operators are concerned about Easter cancellations.

Cairns remained relatively unscathed, a relief for Queensland and for Tourism Australia, which is holding the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in the city in a little over three weeks.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council says “business as usual” operates in many areas, despite wet conditions.

Operators of Lizard Island tourist resort were among the most affected resorts, although other than having many of its palm trees flattened and a few buildings damaged, Cyclone damage was light. The Resort had taken the precaution of evacuating about 100 staff and guests before the Cyclone struck.

A Resort spokeswoman stated “we are very, very relieved."

The Great Barrier Reef seems to have escaped major damage, although the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has formed an incident response team to work with local communities and the tourism industry to help recovery.

Local tourism operator Tony Baker told ABC News “the inner reefs, you’ll see the water will be less clear because of the flow off from the various rivers and creeks.

“Once we get out to the outer reef areas, we’re very hopeful that there was very minimal damage from the actual cyclone.

The Queensland Department of National Parks has closed all camping areas and walking tracks on island national parks in Far North Queensland until Wednesday (16th April).

Heavy rains buffeted Townsville and Cairns, Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands – with remote Cooktown being hardest hit. Queensland Premier Campbell Newman says could take Cooktown up to three months to recover.

Queensland Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey said tourism operators had “dodged a bullet” with the cyclone but encouraged visitors to stick with plans to visit the region, stating “Easter is going to be wonderful ... the welcome mat is out.

"Come to Queensland and have the Easter of your life."

5th August 2009 - DELAWARE NORTH ACQUIRES AUSTRALIAN RESORTS

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