Whitsunday Regional Council are congratulating their team’s success following the Tourism Awards on Saturday evening which saw Whitsunday Coast Airport and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal take out the Tourism Retail, Hire and Service Category.
Craig Turner, Chief Operating officer Aviation and Tourism, and his team at Whitsunday Coast Airport won Gold, while Shaun Cawood, Shute Harbour Coordinator, and his team at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal took home Bronze in the same category.
“The gold win for the airport was a great reward for the hard-working team as they have been kicking numerous goals for our region’s post Covid recovery,” said a Council spokesperson.
“Our airport recorded the highest ever monthly passenger totals in April this year, with 47,384 passengers transiting through the terminal.
“The previous highest monthly total passenger count for April was 37,486 in 2019 so too eclipse that by nearly 10,000 proves that the Whitsundays is one of the fastest growing regional airports in Australia.”
Connectivity is key to making it easy for visitors to explore the Whitsunday region and the flow on economic benefits to Bowen, Proserpine, Collinsville, and other areas is huge.
Over 220 flights monthly equate to more passengers and visitors to stay and play, all the while supporting our region’s tourism and business stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Shute Harbour team took home bronze for their efforts in reactivating the new Shute Harbour Marine Terminal which will welcome the first of many luxury cruise liners docking in the marina in November.
Celebrity Eclipse will dock on November 9 followed by the Royal Caribbean’s 4000 passage ship, Quantum of the Seas on November 20.
Shute Harbour is home to a multitude of operators including Sealink, Cruise Whitsundays, Explore Group, Ocean Rafting, Salty Dog Sea Kayaking, Scamper, Pioneer Adventures and Elysian Resort.
Explore 74 Café will open in the coming weeks and will be a welcome addition complete with a bar and off-premises liquor available.
Shute Harbour is an ideal location for functions and conferences due to its proximity to Airlie Beach and the Islands.
The well-equipped 344m2 function space is located on the upper floor of the terminal building.
The fully air-conditioned space can accommodate 120 guests and up to 250 guests in a luxe cocktail formation.
The integrated Wi-Fi and private amenities allow for a fully immersive conferencing experience.
Council wishes to congratulate all the nominees and winners of this year’s Whitsunday Tourism Awards and applauds all their efforts in making the Whitsundays the one of most popular tourism destination in Australia and the world.
Marianne Goldman from Whitsunday Coast Airport, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall, Amy Humphries Terminal’s Officer and Craig Turner, Chief Operating officer Aviation and Tourism
Whitsunday Coast Airport’s innovative departure’s lounge aquatic feature
The newly revitalised Shute Harbour Marine Terminal
