Bowen Tourism Centre reopens after renovation

A ‘much-needed’ revamp at Bowen Tourism will offer visitors some great new facilities.

Tourism Bowen manager Christin Short is encouraging local tourism operators to get involved with next month's tourism expo.

BOWEN Tourism and Business Centre has reopened its doors and is looking better than ever after a COVID-19 revamp.

After closing the doors six weeks ago due to COVID-19 restrictions, co-ordinator Christin Short said Bowen Tourism and Business remained "incredibly committed" to the region, businesses and residents.

One of their plans during the lockdown period included an exciting renovation of the centre, which they've just unveiled.

"Our centre was in real need of a refresh and we are very thankful that the Whitsunday Regional Council came to the party with some funding for us," she said.

"We have a brand new paint job, new flooring and a new shopfront. Plus a few new features including what we've called our hydration station for people to fill up their water bottles and also they can make tea and coffee and a charging station so people can charge their phones and devices.

"We are so thrilled with it and excited to welcome people back now that things are easing a bit."

SNEAKY LITTLE L👀K... OPEN NOW - Bowen Information Centre (The Big Mango), however we have been busy! Our centre has...

Posted by Bowen Tourism & Business on Tuesday, 9 June 2020

With COVID-19 restrictions on social distancing and hygiene still strictly enforced, Ms Short said the centre had strict measures in place and their spacious layout was ideal for managing social distancing.

Having opened their doors about a week and a half ago, Ms Short said the initial traffic through town was reasonably slow, but she had seen a positive increase in only a week.

Ms Short said while they were excited to see the increase in travellers and welcome locals and Queensland tourists, it was the state border restrictions that would make the real difference to the region.

"We started out as expected and even over that past week to see the increase is really exciting," she said.

"With the intrastate changes we've seen people starting to travel more, but we can't wait to see the Queensland borders open.

"We would love to encourage our locals as well, now is the time to come up and see the centre, we have info on travelling in the region and all over Queensland.

"We are not just for tourists, we're for everyone."

Originally published as Bowen Tourism Centre reopens after renovation