Island bookings slump

Call for Townsville residents to head to Maggie

TOWNSVILLE residents are being urged to enjoy a getaway on Magnetic Island after ongoing border closures, lockdowns and travel restrictions have caused visitation levels to plummet to an all-time low.

Ivan Ivers, an agent from First National Real Estate Magnetic Island, has witnessed the effects first-hand, with an overwhelming number of interstate travellers cancelling their trips to the island due to travel restrictions to Queensland from NSW and Victoria.

“We expect 12 or 13 people to come on any particular day but then it whittles down to about two because everybody else has cancelled,” Mr Ivers said.

"It has had a massive effect on the tourism industry on the island for sure.

“If we can’t get guests to come into Queensland, we can’t make money.

“It’s as simple as that.”

The recent lockdowns in

Sydney and Melbourne have come on top of the Covid scare earlier this year.

A nurse holidaying on Magnetic Island in June was diagnosed with having the infectious Delta strain on her return home to Brisbane.

The resulting lockdown had a detrimental effect on island and Townsville businesses.

Townsville Enterprise director – visitor economy and marketing Lisa Woolfe highlighted the severity of the situation and why it was important for locals to support the industry.

“Recent tourism data tells us that tourism businesses are experiencing the worst revenue outcomes since early in the pandemic,” Ms Woolfe said.

“This puts financial pressure on a sector that supports almost 8000 local jobs,” she said.

“As we continue to navigate through these challenging times, our message to locals is if you have the means to, please do support those businesses in your own backyard.

“By doing so, you’re supporting a family, a neighbour, or a member of your community to keep their way of life afloat.”

Arcadia Village Hotel owner John Shepley agreed with the sentiment.

“We would love to see a little bit more local visitation,” he said.

“Magnetic Island is a fantastic experience, and the good thing about it is that it’s safe.”

This week will see the start of Magnetic Island Sealink Race week – a chance for many in the community to get over and enjoy the hospitality of the people and businesses on Magnetic Island.