PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has joined industry leaders to celebrate outstanding tourism operators from around the state, as part of the 38th Queensland Tourism Awards.
A record number of entries vied for the state’s top tourism awards this year with 184 final submissions – an increase of 25 percent on last year.
The Queensland Tourism Awards have been operating for 38 years with 31 categories ranging from attractions, events, tour and transport, accommodation, restaurants to culture and marketing.
In recognition of 2023 as the Year of Accessible Tourism, the State Government supported a new category, Excellence in Accessible Tourism.
The inaugural award was taken home by BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, one of Queensland’s leading accessible resorts and a winner with visitors of all abilities.
Four new businesses entered into the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Hall of Fame – Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Paronella Park and Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience.
The ceremony was held at the Cairns Convention Centre as part of Tourism Week celebrations, which included the industry conferences Destination IQ and DestinationQ.
Premier Palaszczuk said the week is all about celebrating the sector and recognisable tourist attractions.
“Queensland has some of the worlds greatest and most recognisable tourist attractions,” she said.
“A big congratulations to all 184 entrants, finalists, winners and Hall of Famers – you all make Queensland the best place to holiday.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe extended his congratulations to winners and nominees.
“Congratulations to award winners and finalists for creating world-class visitor experiences and helping to make 2023 an extraordinary year for Queensland’s tourism industry,” he said.
“Queensland’s place as the nation’s favourite holiday destination and a record $33.2 billion visitor economy is a credit to the ingenuity and commitment of the State’s tourism operators.
“Thank you to BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort for leadership in all-abilities visitor experiences and as winner of the Palaszczuk Government’s inaugural Excellence in Accessible Tourism Award.
“Our gold award winners are on track to put Queensland in an unbeatable position for more national recognition at the Australian Tourism Awards in March.”
Queensland Tourism Award Winners include:
The Marie Watson-Blake Award for OCBI awarded posthumously to Michael Hackett.
Excellence in Accessible Tourism awarded to Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
People’s Choice Award Accommodation awarded to Esk Caravan Park and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel.
People’s Choice Award Experiences and Services awarded for the third time in a row Paronella Park.
Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group awarded to Visit Moreton Bay Volunteer Program
All gold winners, except for the Queensland only based awards, are automatically entered in the Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Darwin in March 2024.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Funding boost for Salvos in Cairns and The Reef House named top luxury Queensland hotel.
