Bowen set buzzing with monthly tourist numbers at record high

July was a good month for tourism in Bowen, with travellers coming to see more than just the Big Mango. Find out why the winter months are buzzing.

A post-pandemic upswing has continued in the Whitsunday region with July 2022 announced as the busiest month on record.

“It has been great to see Bowen buzzing this winter,” Bowen Tourism and Business manager Leanne Abernethy said.

The Big Mango Visitor Information Centre and the Front Beach information booth welcomed a total of 5751 visitors, averaging 185 each day, in what has been described as a record-breaking month for the coastal town.

Ms Abernethy said that there had been a noticeable increase in international visitors since February.

Bowen Tourism and Business manager Leanne Abernethy (centre), with visitors John and Julie Omrod from Orange in NSW. Picture: Contributed

“Obviously, a lot of those visitors were passing through,” she said.

“But it was really pleasing to note that 23 per cent of our visitors were staying in Bowen.

“About 22 per cent were making a day trip into Bowen.

“And a further 5 per cent wanted information for towns to the south, meaning at least half of our visitors were spending money in our region.”

Ms Abernethy said she expected more visitors would travel to the region for the Don River Dash and school holidays this September.

“Our data shows strong forward bookings for all accommodation providers for the rest of August,” she said.

The last record for Bowen’s busiest month was at the tailend of lockdowns in September 2020 with 5375 people.

Whitsunday Regional Council Acting Mayor John Collins said the first quarter of the year showed record passenger numbers coming through Whitsunday Coast Airport.

“If you pair this with the strength of the drive market, it really places the Whitsunday Region in an exciting position where visitors are not only coming in droves, but they’re spending money here as well,” he said.

“I thank the staff and volunteers at Bowen Tourism and Business for passing on their wealth of local knowledge to a record number of visitors.”

For more information about visiting Bowen, phone the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre on 4786 4222 or go to tourismbowen.com.au

The iconic Big Mango and Big Mango Visitor Information Centre are located 5km south of Bowen. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland