Tourism Research Australia report has sting in its tale for Whitsundays tourism

HIGH costs are not the only thing tourists are worried will bite them if they holiday at this beautiful hot spot. FIND OUT what's in the water.

Tourism report has sting in its tale

DOMESTIC tourists are avoiding the Whitsundays because they think it is expensive, are concerned about stingers and think it's not the best place for partying.

The report by Tourism Research Australia found Brisbane residents more likely to be sensitive to price (78 per cent) and the threat of marine stingers (34 per cent).

Visitors from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney were surveyed between April and June this year to help attract more tourism business to the Whitsundays.

The report also indicated visitors did not see the Whitsundays as a place to go for an adventure, party or cultural experiences. It found the region appealed more to families and the older market, with younger people put off by price and the perception there was "not a lot going on".

Researchers found 69 per cent of people surveyed said price would put them off a holiday in the Whitsundays.

It may look idealic but tourists are turned off of the Whitsundays because of fears about costs and what lies beneath the water.

Whitsundays Marketing and Development chief executive Danial Rochford said the organisation was taking the report very seriously.

"The perceptions of the region is something we will very much take into consideration in terms of our future marketing of the region,'' he said.

"We certainly disagree with the perception. The Whitsundays is a very affordable destination."

He said there was a range of accommodation experiences for visitors, from five-star island resorts through to backpacker hostels and tours.

"We have recently undertaken some research in comparison to our key competitors in Australia and overseas, and we stack up in terms of affordability,'' he said.

The report suggested the region offer good-value packages, rather than just cheap deals, and better educate visitors about marine stingers to clarify the seasonal times.