Tourism interest in Airlie Beach lowest in over 6 years

Worldwide tourism interest in Airlie Beach hit its lowest levels in over 6 years last month. (Airlie Beach is a 3/4 hour ferry ride from Hamilton Island). (*On 21 February it went even lower.)

Wasn't the 'Best Job in the World' supposed to have brought more interest in Airlie Beach rather than drive them away? Well, the same month that BJITW campaign finished, Airlie Beach retail sales have slumped. Peter O'Reilly (CEO Tourism Whitsundays) confirmed that retail spending in Airlie Beach over the 2009/10 Christmas period was down 21% on the previous year, and said "Airlie Beach accommodation numbers were down". - source Whitsunday Times .

The latest trends show that Backpacker interest may be growing, however 4-5 Star interest in Airlie Beach appears to be at an almost all time low, which is worrying, especially when 700 rooms (or a 50% increase) in Accommodation in Airlie Beach will be available later this year. Most of this Accommodation is 4-5 star - almost out of range of the average family, and especially backpackers.

Could Airlie Beach become a white elephant? We hope not.However, the newer, 4-5 star accommodation operators will be trying hard to get business and they will be taking guests away from the already struggling older, established businesses, who will probably be the biggest losers, especially those situated near the 10 year Port of Airlie construction site.

And then there is Whisper Bay - the huge complex near Abel Point that went into receivership last year. It is up for tender and I expect the winning tender will be trying hard to get as many of those units and apartments filled as soon as possible - again another bad sign for the older established accommodation businesses in the town.

HOWEVER, what may be bad news for the operators may end up being great news for the future tourist. Stay tuned to here and WhitsundaysOnline.Net for some bargains in the near future.