New figures from accommodation booking site Wotif have revealed Bundaberg is a top trending holiday destination in Australia.
The region has recorded a strong trajectory of growth in traveller interest since 2020, up 135 per cent.
The news, from escape.com.au, has showcased Bundaberg as number six on the list of top spots to visit in Australia, beating the likes of Clare Valley in South Australia and the New South Wales South Coast.
“The famous rum distillery is far from the only thing the Bundaberg Region has going for it,” the website states.
“A paradise for marine wildlife, it's only four-and-a-half hour drive from Brisbane, and boasts some of Australia's top-value resorts, according to Wotif.
“From getting up close to turtles on the beach at Mon Repos, to exploring Great Barrier Reef dive and snorkel spots including Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Island, there are bucket-list opportunities at every turn.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said the strong growth was a sign that the region continued to be on the minds of those wanting to plan a getaway.
“It is great to see visitors are continuing to show interest in travelling to our region to experience all that we have to offer,” he said.
“From our stunning beaches, the turtle population, fantastic local businesses, parks, playgrounds, museums and more, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
Mayor Dempsey said the positive figures followed a week of great tourism news for the region, with the recent Qantas Australian Tourism Awards showcasing some of Bundaberg's finest in the industry.
“Congratulations to the team at Bundaberg Rum for being inducted into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame after winning a third national tourism award in the section for Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries,” he said.
“Bundy Rum puts our wonderful region on the world stage and the accolades are well deserved.
“Congratulations also to local finalists Windmill Cafe Bargara and Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort- what a wonderful achievement and a fantastic result for Bundaberg tourism!”
Bundaberg Tourism general manager Katherine Reid said the organisation had worked in partnership with the industry and key stakeholders including Bundaberg Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland for many years to position the region as a desirable holiday destination.
“Strategic campaigns including our major Summer and Culinary campaigns plus content driven digital marketing 12 months of the year, to key target markets have driven considerable growth in the region’s tourism industry over the past five years,” she said.
“Our opportunities to engage with people as they dreamed of travel and show them the bucketlist experiences that exist in their own backyard led to a considerable spike in visitor numbers as well as desire for the region over the past two years.”
“Visitors are looking for experiences that share the story of people, place and produce, and this has only intensified since the impacts of COVID started being felt in 2020.”
Other news:
Yes good news indeed. Let’s just hope that the WA coal company Fox Resources, which wants to build a coal mine in the Bundy region, has its objection to the Minister’s decision to initially reject its Application to proceed with a mine, denied.
We are still waiting a final announcement.
That we are even talking about a big, dirty, polluting coal mine in our region is a farce. Thanks to Tom Smith MP and our Mayor, for their assistance so far in defeating this mine application.
What we need is a National advertising campaign before Turtle season 2022 followed by a International one the next year. Take advantage of the fact that many of our tourist attractions have been upgraded in recent years it will allow us to hit the ground running.