One of the internet’s leading and most respected sources of travel news and information, CNNGo, has rated Hervey Bay the world’s best destination to see Humpback whales.

The travel website for CNN International gave the honour to Hervey Bay in its recent article “Where to Watch Whales around the World” which listed the 11 most popular whale watching destinations around the globe by whale species.

The article cited a Vancouver scientific report which said the whale watching industry generated an estimated US$2.1 billion around the world and created huge socio-economic and ecological benefits.

The “Home of the Humpbacks” Hervey Bay was the only Australian whale watching destination to make the list which also comprised Cunningham Inlet, Canada (Beluga whales); The Azores (Blue whales); Baja California (Grey whales); Antarctic Peninsula (Minke whales); Nunavut, Canada (Narwhals); San Juan Islands, USA (Orcas); Strait of Gibraltar, Spain (Pilot whales); Hermanus, South Africa (Southern right whales); Kaikoura, New Zealand (Sperm whales) and Cancun, Mexico (Whale sharks).

Tourism Fraser Coast General Manager, Pip Close, said to be rated by CNNGo as the best whale watching site in the world for Humpbacks was a terrific honour.

“To be given the recognition by such a respected authority on world travel speaks volumes for our product in Hervey Bay,’’ Ms Close said.

“It reinforces what we have known all along, that the protected waters of Hervey Bay provide the kind of up-close-and-personal Humpback encounters that can’t be matched anywhere in the world.

“The endorsement by CNN with their vast reach is an exciting development in spreading our message further around Australia and the globe.

“The message is clear, for the best Humpback whale watching in the world, come to Hervey Bay,’’ Ms Close said.