As 2025 wraps up, Mackay Isaac Tourism is celebrating a big year of milestones, from record visitor numbers to standout campaigns and unforgettable events, cementing the region as one of Queensland’s top destinations.
Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said that this year’s achievements reflect the passion and resilience of our tourism community.
“Together, we’ve elevated Mackay Isaac’s profile and created a foundation for even greater success in 2026”, Mr Stewart-Harris said.
“These results prove that strategic, creative marketing can shift perceptions and drive real outcomes,” Mr Stewart-Harris added.
“We’ve moved beyond being a stopover destination. Travellers are actively seeking Mackay Isaac for authentic experiences.”
With the festive season and school holidays approaching, Mackay Isaac is ready to welcome Free Spirit travellers into 2026.
From sunrise wallaby encounters at Cape Hillsborough to island escapes, outback adventures to vibrant summer events, the region offers endless opportunities to do whatever, whenever.
Wake House Australia & Mackay Adventure Tours and Transfers Managing Director Amanda Pelagalli said the Wake House is seeing an increase in international tourists visiting the park on their travels up north in the lead up to Christmas.
“We’re particularly seeing visitors from Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands”. Mrs Pelagalli said.
“Looking forward to 2026, Mackay Adventure Tours and Transfers has strong forward bookings particularly with group touring companies looking for exciting new destinations to visit along the Queensland coast”.
Highlights from the year:
• Visitors Galore: 33,000 international visitors (up 17% on last year) and 773,000 domestic overnight visitors.
• Tourism Dollars: Domestic visitors spent nearly $900 million across the region, with holidays, business trips, and family visits driving the boom.
• Campaign Reach: Local campaigns like Lucky Catch and Snap, keepuP!, and Free Spirit delivered almost 20 million impressions.
• Visitors Welcomed: 13,420 guests stopped by Mackay Isaac Visitor Centres, supported by nearly 4,000 volunteer hours.
• Events Packed the Calendar: From Nebo Rodeo to the Mackay Festival of Arts, locals and visitors enjoyed a diverse lineup of signature events.
• Digital Leap: A new website and a stunning regional destination shoot showcased the best of Mackay Isaac online.
• Industry Leadership: Membership in the Australian Cruise Association, contributions to Destination 2045, and advocacy for improved visitor infrastructure kept the region on the map nationally and internationally.
• Trade Presence: Mackay Isaac Tourism showcased the region at its biggest-ever presence at ATE, attracting both national and international trade attention.
For more information, visit www.mackayisaac.com/plan/deals
Jeff Stewart-Harris and Amanda Pelagalli. Photo supplied
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