So what’s in a name? Results from a preliminary Mackay tourism survey indicated tourists preferred names that included references to their favourite holiday setting.

Research results collected by Central Queensland University Mackay marketing and tourism student Agnes Gascoyne showed tourists preferred names that identified features of the local area, conveyed an image and were easy to recall.

“From a tourism and marketing perspective, names that are appealing and assist the branding process, contribute to the area’s overall promotion and success as a destination,” she said.

On behalf of Mackay Highlands Co-ordinating Committee Ms Gascoyne found the words Eungella, platypus, Cathu and Pioneer were popular among the 50 visitors she interviewed. The least popular were Homevale and Connors.

"When the tourists were asked about their favourite non-coastal holiday setting, the most popular responses were National Parks and State Forests,” she said.

“It is for this reason that combinations of names such as Coconut Beach are utilised as they inform the tourist that it is a tropical beach and the area is capable of growing coconuts. This contrasts with Windy Bay which implies too much wind.” Results supported this further as data indicated Eungella Park was preferable to Eungella as it implied a park setting.

CQU Mackay Marketing and Tourism lecturer Bruce Milles said while the results were inconclusive for definite name changes, the data provided a further understanding for promoting the region.

“The Highland Committee have acknowledged the value of this survey and this is a good example of local students getting real life hands-on experience as part of their education and making a difference by contributing to their local communities,” he said.

Photos: Central Queensland University Mackay marketing and tourism student Agnes Gascoyne discovered tourists found the name Eungella Park more appealing than the word Eungella.