Whitsunday Island Overcrowding To See Queensland Government Consider Marketing Rethink

The State Government says it will look into marketing lesser known sites in the north Queensland Whitsundays, after a report revealed hotspots are at risk of being overrun with tourists.

A report into visitor numbers on Whitsunday Island found certain beaches were at risk of being ‘over-loved’ by tourists.

The Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators commissioned the report to specifically look at management strategies on Whitehaven Beach and Tongue Point.

It recommended placing a cap on visitors to those sites.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife said there were existing measures in place which restricted the number of daily commercial operators and limited group sizes.

However, the State Government said visitor loads could be spread more evenly throughout the Whitsunday Islands National Park and it would look at marketing other locations better.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is currently reviewing its management plan of the area.

The review hopes to address growing visitor numbers and accommodate the emerging super yachts market.

SOURCE: ABC NEWS