Whitsunday residents are encouraged to support two local destinations that have been announced as finalists for the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.
Bowen was entered in the Top Tourism Town category and due to its size, Airlie Beach was eligible for the Top Small Tourism Town.
This means that both locations are in with a chance of winning and, if successful, the Whitsundays could take out the two top spots.
If Airlie Beach wins this will be its second consecutive year at the top.
Winning an award, or even becoming a finalist, allows our local townships to shine on a state-wide stage, raising awareness for tourism in our region.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton is hopeful that Airlie Beach and Bowen will both take out the top spots.
“As a region, we’ve seen record-breaking visitation from the domestic market as people continue to discover and rediscover what is in their backyard,” said Mr Hamilton.
“Being able to say we’ve got two Top Tourism Towns within The Whitsundays would be a great achievement and one that Bowen and Airlie Beach deserve.
“The Whitsundays is the overseas holiday you can get to without a passport and usually within a few hours; what a special place to have in Queensland.”
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, was very excited that Bowen had been named as a finalist in the QTIC Top Tourism Town awards again.
“Bowen, at the top of The Whitsundays, is the heart of secluded beaches and the home of the iconic Big Mango,” she said.
“We love welcoming tourists including the many southerners who come for the entire winter months to escape the cold.”
Voting is now open, but closes on Wednesday, May 24, so make sure you get your vote in quick and support our local towns as they bid to be the best.
