‘Literal paradise’: Whitsunday town named a top destination

A Whitsundays town has been named one of the top 9 destinations to visit post COVID-19 by Urban List.

WHILE it's no surprise to residents to hear Bowen described as a "literal paradise", a trend-setting website has discovered the beauty of our region and awarded it a top spot on their list of places to see in 2021.

The article by the Urban List touts a list of nine places their travel editor recommends visiting "after lockdown", aiming to promote tourism within Australia to help the regions recover after recent blows to the industry.

Highlighting Bowen's beautiful beaches, colourful marine life and fresh fish and chips, the Urban List travel editor Morgan Reardon said the decision to add Bowen to the list "was a no-brainer".

"For Urban List, it's really important to support Australian tourism, especially after devastating bushfires and now COVID-19-we want to help where we can more than ever before," she said.

"As a travel editor, it's always my aim to seek out those more unknown gems and share them with our readers.

"With palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear water and relaxed vibes, choosing Bowen as a must-visit destination for Aussies was a no-brainer.

"I can't wait to get there myself when lockdown is over."

Bowen Tourism coordinator Christin Short said she was "thrilled" to see that Bowen had been mentioned on the Urban List of places to explore post COVID-19.

"As locals we know that Bowen is a perfect hidden gem - our secluded beaches will make social distancing easy for travellers," she said.

"The secret is out and we cannot wait to welcome back our regular travellers and hopefully a few new ones."

Ms Short said supporting the tourism industry was critical for the region, and said there were "many ways" in which people could support the industry now, and after the travel restrictions were lifted.

"Support local shops now, grab a takeaway dinner from one of our fantastic venues, continue shopping locally and promote stunning images of our region on social media," she said.

"Once restrictions are eased you may crave a weekend away. Be sure to explore destinations within our stunning Whitsundays region - from Collinsville to Proserpine, Airlie Beach and the Islands.

"We have a world-class destination right here and soon enough we will be able to explore this region again."

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