It’s Very Busy at the Big Mango

 It has been a busy three months at Bowen’s Big Mango with visitor numbers exceeding last year.

In the first quarter of this financial year, a total of 19,555 people were welcomed at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango – representing an 8.3% increase on the same period last year.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery said these numbers were particularly impressive as last year was a record for Bowen Tourism and Business.

“Despite concerns about the cost of living and the increase in interest rates in the past 12 months, the team at our Visitor Information Centre continues to welcome record numbers,” she said.

“The team of staff and volunteers encourage every visitor at the centre to take the detour just 5km off the highway to visit Bowen and check out our beautiful beaches, bushwalks, lookouts, mural and other attractions.

“Almost 60% of our centre’s visitors so far in this financial year have visited Bowen for the day or stayed at least one night. This is a testament to the great job our team do in encouraging that trip into town.

“We have invested heavily in destination marketing in the past 12 months, and we are now seeing the results, providing an economic boost for the region.”

Interim Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Aimee Cameron said Bowen was vital for the drive market in our region. 

“We’re thrilled to see visitor numbers continuing to grow.  The team at Bowen Tourism and Business play a crucial role in attracting visitors to Airlie Beach, Proserpine and west to Collinsville, which brings economic benefits to the entire region,” she said.

"The Whitsundays has welcomed record numbers in the latest International and National Visitor Survey, which not only showcases the natural beauty and diverse experiences our region offers, but also reflects the hard work of local businesses and tourism operators dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences."  

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said she was proud of the team’s efforts in welcoming so many visitors and continuing to promote Bowen and the greater Whitsundays region.

“We have analysed our data from the past five years and are pleased to see the numbers have well and truly exceeded pre-covid visitation,” she said.
“We averaged 212 people per day in the past three months, compared to just 123 in the same period five years ago.

“The number of international visitors is now slightly higher than our pre-covid statistics. The big increase has been in domestic visitors, both from Queensland and interstate.”

Bowen Tourism and Business Visitor Services Co-ordinator, Glenn Womal (right) with the Mackinley family from Western Australia - Terry, Sabrina, Oliver and Annabelle.
They are on their way around Australia and stayed for two nights in Bowen where they loved the beaches and the kids learnt to snorkel off Horseshoe Bay.

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