Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Cindy Tonks, Leanne Abernethy and Glenn Burling. Photo supplied: Leanne Abernethy
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre has been named Visitor Centre of the Year in the Local Tourism Organisation category at the annual Queensland Information Centre’s Association (QICA) Conference.
Mareeba hosted this year’s annual conference, where the Bowen team took home the prestigious award for the second consecutive year. Judging criteria covered customer service, tourism excellence, business planning and marketing.
Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business Jenn Honnery thanked the centre's staff and volunteers for their warm smiles, expert local knowledge and the work that happens behind the scenes to operate one of Queensland's leading visitor information centres.
Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council Ry Collins also congratulated the team.
“To be named Visitor Information Centre of the Year for the second-year running is a wonderful recognition of the team’s dedication, local knowledge and passion for showcasing Bowen and the wider Whitsunday region to visitors,” Mayor Ry Collins said.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy said the team was continually looking for ways to improve the visitor experience while also supporting local businesses and the wider tourism industry.
“We are absolutely thrilled to win this award two years in a row,” she said.
“It is wonderful recognition of the dedication of our staff and volunteers and the work we do to promote Bowen and the greater Whitsundays region.”
“The judges recognised that tourism extends beyond visitor servicing and plays a critical role in supporting local economic development and community outcomes.
“The judges described our centre as a compelling example of how a contemporary Visitor Information Centre can remain relevant, financially sustainable and highly impactful in a changing tourism environment.
“That is particularly pleasing because we are always looking at new ways to improve our services, increase visitation and support our local businesses.
“We believe face-to-face visitor services are still very important in an ever-changing world of technology which we embrace as part of our business model.”
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre welcomed a record 65,638 visitors in the past financial year, an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year.
In 2027, the award will be held in Roma, where Bowen tourism will look to make it 3 in a row.
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