The Whitsundays has ranked in the top 10 nationally as a favourite regional destination for the July school holidays.
The results of the Wotif.com survey place the Whitsundays 8th on the list alongside a host of other North Queensland destinations, with Cairns taking the top spot.
With winter being the prime time to visit the region, Wotif.com found more than a third of Aussies (35%) were escaping the colder climates down south and having a second summer holiday, while one in 10 (11%) said they would embrace the chilly weather with a snowy getaway.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Craig Turner said while 8th place was great result, he wanted to see the Whitsundays claim the top spot.
“I think its fantastic that we’re in the top 10, however we’re striving to be in the top five (and even) number one,” he said.
“Our destination has so much to offer. We’d like to continue to see growth in the market.”
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday marketing manager Tanya Cran said she thought it was great news.
“The June/July holidays are always popular with us,” she said.
“We’re averaging 82% which is fantastic. Obviously the weather helps this time of year
“Its good to be recognised nationally at that level.”
TOP TEN
1. Cairns & Cairns Northern Beaches
2. Surfers Paradise
3. Townsville
4. Noosa
5. Broadbeach
6. Port Douglas
7. Maroochydore/Mooloolaba
8. Whitsundays
9. Snowy Mountains
10. Newcastle
SOURCE: WHITSUNDAY TIMES
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