Double Win for The Whitsundays

Double Win for The Whitsundays at Top Tourism Town Awards

MEDIA RELEASE - 18 June 2025

The Whitsundays has once again cemented its place as one of Queensland’s top tourism regions, with Airlie Beach and Bowen taking out major honours at the QTIC Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards, held in Brisbane on Monday night.

In a proud moment for the region, Airlie Beach was crowned Queensland’s Small Tourism Town (population 1,500–5,000) for the fourth consecutive year, while Bowen claimed the title of Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000) for the very first time. Adding to the celebration, Collinsville was named a finalist in the Tiny Tourism Town category, showcasing the strength and diversity of tourism across the entire Whitsunday region.

As part of their win, both Airlie Beach and Bowen have received $20,000 worth of advertising support from Bishop Outdoor Advertising, helping to further promote these incredible destinations to travellers across Queensland.

The awards, run by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), are judged by a panel of tourism experts alongside a public vote, which this year attracted more than 4,700 votes from across the state.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said these awards are voted by the public, which makes them extra special, and it shows the Whitsundays truly is Queensland’s favourite destination.

“To see Bowen named Top Tourism Town and Airlie Beach take out Top Small Tourism Town, with Collinsville also in the mix, is something we can all be proud of,” he said.

“This kind of recognition doesn’t happen by accident. It’s thanks to the hard work of our local tourism bodies, businesses, volunteers, and the broader community who make sure visitors have a memorable experience.”

Tim Booth, CEO, Tourism Whitsundays said the results reflect the passion and resilience of local tourism operators and communities.

“It’s such an honour to see Airlie Beach take out the Small Tourism Town award for the fourth year in a row. It really shows the heart and hard work of our local tourism operators and community.

"And with Bowen claiming the title of Top Tourism Town, it’s a fantastic day for the entire Whitsunday region.

"A huge thank you to Whitsunday Regional Council for their ongoing support - these achievements wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Leanne Abernathy, Manager, Bowen Tourism & Business said it was a very proud moment.

“This is the first time Bowen has won this award. We have been finalists in the past and came home with Bronze last year.

“This award has capped off a fantastic couple of weeks after the Big Mango was named the “Best Big Thing” in Queensland as part of the Queensland Day “All the Best” awards on June 6.

“These awards are a testament to the dedication of our entire team of staff, volunteers and committee and I thank them all for their passion, their drive and their local knowledge.”

“This award is also for the entire Bowen community, and we thank them for their support of what we do.”

About Tourism Whitsundays: Tourism Whitsundays (TW) is the organisation responsible for destination marketing and visitor attraction for the Whitsunday region. It is the lead agency recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Whitsunday Regional Council to lead the promotion of the region as a tourism destination. Tourism Whitsundays markets all aspects of the region including the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Coast, accommodation, boating and sailing, fishing, touring, recreational activities, adventure, dining, shopping, weddings and honeymoons, conferencing and business events.