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Local tourism operators have been âflat outâ today responding to Queenslanders eager to explore their own backyard with help from a new government travel subsidy.
The Queensland governmentâs âHoliday Dollarsâ scheme launched in the Whitsundays today, inviting eligible Queensland residents to share in 6000 x $200 vouchers to spend on tourism experiences in the region.
Mary Gallagher, a sales assistant at Bowenâs Big Mango and Visitor Information Centre said by lunchtime today, she had personally responded to more than 30 email and phone inquiries and 20 in-person inquiries about the scheme, and had already processed several bookings from people redeeming the vouchers.
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Two Whitsunday destinations have been selected among 37 other Queensland towns as finalists in the Top Tourism Town awards.
Bowen and Airlie Beach are among the finalists in the awards hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council that aim to ârecognise and celebrate towns that offer amazing visitor experienceâ.
Chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the awards showcased the great and diverse destinations right here in Queensland.
âWith the current focus on domestic tourism, now is the time to draw attention to our regional destinations and to put the spotlight on our tourism operators and communities who keep our regions thriving,â Mr Gschwind said.
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An award-winning fish and chip shop in the Whitsundays has been given the green light for its ambitious plans to introduce an outdoor dining experience.
Whitsunday Regional Council approved Bowen Fishermans Seafood Company’s development application to almost double the floorspace of Bird’s Fish Bar at 42 Henry Darwen Drive, Bowen.
Documents stated the proposal would convert 120sq m of roofed back area into a dining space and connect it to a new kids play area towards the front of the store. Whitsunday Regional Council approved expansion plans for Bird’s Fish Bar in Bowen.
The business has undergone many renovations since it was established in the early 1980s including adding a concrete deck area, a larger kitchen and refrigerated display cabinets and “significant restoration” after Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017.