BOWEN WINS TWO GOLD AWARDS

Bowen Tourism and Business won Gold twice at the 2022 Whitsunday Tourism Awards on Saturday night.

The Visitor Information Centre won Gold in the Visitor Information Services category and then backed it up when the Big Mango was named the top tourist attraction.

Bowen, at the top of the Whitsundays, is a real hidden gem and the heart of secluded beaches.

Bowen Tourism and Business is a not-for-profit organisation with more than 200 member businesses who are based in Bowen, the greater Whitsundays region and other parts of Queensland.

The small team of dedicated staff work alongside a very passionate team of 15 volunteers to operate the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre and the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) is responsible for destination marketing, ensuring visitors are aware of the incredible experiences on offer in Bowen and the wider Whitsundays region.

This is carried out daily through interactions with visitors as well as through print, television, radio and online platforms.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery, said winning two Gold awards was testament to the dedication and passion of the staff and volunteers.

“They work tirelessly and pride themselves in exceptional customer service,” she said.

“Bowen has so much to offer with beautiful beaches, fringing reefs and country hospitality.

“The BTB team ensure every visitor is aware of what Bowen and the greater Whitsunday region has to offer.

“As a booking agency, our organisation supports many of the tourist operators in Airlie Beach,” she said.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the team was absolutely thrilled to win Gold in two categories.

“The staff, the volunteers and the committee are all so very passionate about Bowen so we were all very proud to be named the best in two categories,” she said.

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AT A GLANCE

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

*The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is open seven days a week and welcomes more than 40,000 visitors per year

*The centre now stocks an expanded range of merchandise and local produce including many mango products – sorbet, chutney, jam, chilli sauce, body products, candles and even mango daquiri mix.

*The centre has more than 300 brochures on display including 102 regional guides, 94 brochures from Bowen businesses, 70 Whitsunday brochures and 52 brochures from out-of-region operators.

THE BIG MANGO

*The Big Mango was built as part of a community campaign to revitalise the local community and boost tourism.

*Built in May 2002, plans are already underway for a 21st celebration in May next year.

*The Big Mango is located at Mount Gordon, 5km south of Bowen on the Bruce Highway.

*It cost about $90k to build and is 10 metres high

*It is painted in the lush colour of the Kensington Pride mango that was introduced to Bowen from India in 1871.

The Big Mango wins top tourist attraction