Whitsunday tourism makes a comeback with open borders

More than 100,000 people have touched down in the Whitsundays in the past three months while the cruise ship industry’s return has delivered a welcome boost to the tourism-reliant region.

The Whitsundays’ tourism rush is back with new figures revealing more than 100,000 people visited the region in the past three months.

Whitsunday Coast Airport travel numbers show relaxed border restrictions has dramatically increased the number of people visiting the region since March 31 to date.

And with tourism figures on the rise again, the Whitsunday Regional Council is working to advance its plans for a freight distribution centre at the airport.

“Passenger movements through the terminal totalled 100,397, this generated a revenue increase of 32 per cent to the previous quarter,” council documents state.

“Airline load factors across all airlines and routes averaged at 76.33 per cent with Sydney and Melbourne routes averaging 82 per cent.

“The airport is tracking well against budget and is expected to continue this strong growth through the fourth quarter with the overall expectation to exceed budget.”

Whitsunday Coast Airport won silver in the Tourism Retail and Hire Services category in the 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards. Picture: Contributed

The Whitsundays tourism sector was worth $253.9m before Covid border shutdowns and impacts, with the airport passenger figures a strong indicator the region was on track to claw back losses over the past two years.

Larger Qantas planes, from a turbo prop to a 717 jet, has also boosted visitor numbers, with the aircraft reducing travel time and improving overall visitor experience.

Extra freight was also able to be carried on the flights, documents state.

But the addition of three new routes through Australia’s newest airline Bonza, set to launch in mid-September pending regulatory approvals, that will further propel visitor numbers.

The three routes will connect the Whitsundays with the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, and Newcastle.

Bonza will fly Whitsunday Coast Airport to Newcastle direct with new routes announced as part of its Australian launch. Picture: Contributed

Work inside the airport has also continued over the past three months including Taste Whitsundays signing a five-year lease to operate the cafe and restaurant.

“The initial trading result has exceeded our turnover expectations,” documents state.

“Negotiations continue with car rental agreements, while these have been lengthy, we hope to have all agreements fully executed by end of financial year.

“Due to the strong aeronautical activity in the quarter and strong forward forecast the Airport

Reporting Officer staffing levels have been increased to manage this growth and mitigate operational risks at the airport as well management of our other aerodromes.”

Shute Harbour Marina Resort. Source: Supplied,

Documents state the airport’s chief operating officer for aviation and tourism had contracted Airport Industry Management Services to “undertake the feasibility study for Freight Distribution Centre and all associated compliance requirements”.

The Shute Harbour Marine Terminal’s first full quarter of trade has resulted in “a solid revenue start” on the back of fuel sales, as the council works to secure it as the port of choice for cruise ships.

“The Chief Operating Officer for Aviation and Tourism and the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal Coordinator met with Intercruises representatives who successfully negotiated to

have Shute Harbour as the preferred port for cruise ships into the Whitsundays,” documents state.

“Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises will commence into Shute Harbour early November 2022.

“Communications with other cruise liners are continuing with more expected to add Shute

Harbour to the itineraries.”

But the search for an anchor tenant in a cafe or restaurant has been unsuccessful with the council renewing the tender to find a suitable operator.