By CEO Rick Hamilton
Thank you to everyone who joined us at last week’s networking event at the Reef Gateway Hotel. It was a fantastic evening to celebrate Whitsunday News Newspaper’s second birthday.
A big congratulations to Deborah Friend and her team! Thank you for your continued support of our local community and we look forward to many more years of partnering together.
Last week, Tourism and Events Queensland announced the ‘Best of Queensland’ experiences. This program aims to recognise outstanding experiences that best bring the Queensland story to life and consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience.
The Whitsundays has again dominated this year’s top 50 experiences across Queensland, together with Tropical North Queensland.
Congratulations to all the operators in the Whitsundays who have consistently delivered unparalleled experiences for tourists to establish the destination as a domestic and global beacon for holidaymakers.
It was also announced by the Minister, at The Estimates Hearings, that there is currently a review of the Tourism Network Funding Model to reflect the changes in tourism since the last change in funding, in 2018.
Tourism Whitsundays is encouraged by this and believes that, with increased funding, it is in a strong position to continue to deliver for our industry.
Tourism Whitsundays is a membership-based organisation, also funded through Whitsunday Regional Council, Tourism and Events Queensland and the Federal Government.
Tomorrow, the annual Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival kicks off, showcasing the Whitsundays lifestyle and community in the ‘Heart of the Reef’ – Airlie Beach.
The four-day festival will feature events for all, including the Coral Sea Marina Lantern Parade, Great Barrier Reef interactive workshops and installations, a comedy gala, massive reef-themed street parade, Main Street car show, a wearable art parade and recyclable regatta, and free, family fun activities on the Airlie Foreshore including the not-to-be-missed Fireworks on the Foreshore.
Guests also have the opportunity to join the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Master Reef Guided Experience, a journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, the only tour hosted by 10 Master Reef Guides!
Next week, the 34th Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing commences at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
The regatta provides exciting and varied racing in a spectacular setting and plenty of onshore fun for those wanting to keep their feet dry.
It is recognised amongst sailors Australia-wide as a vibrant, exciting and fun event.
