Beef Australia brings home silver from national tourism awards
Central Queensland was in the spotlight at the Australian Tourism Awards with Beef Australia bringing home a silver and another operator taking home gold.
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Central Queensland’s tourism industry shined in the spotlight at the Australian Tourism Awards on Friday night with Beef Australia bringing home a silver award and another operator taking home gold.
The 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards celebrated 40 years of excellence and recognised the nation’s best tourism businesses, showcasing the dedication to quality and innovation.
There were multiple awards up for grabs for the region with Beef Australia named finalist in two categories – Major Festival and Events for which it received the silver award, and the Excellence in Food Tourism award category.
Beef2024 set new records, creating a direct and incremental expenditure impact for the Greater Rockhampton Region of $102.0 million, and $69.6 million for Queensland’s economy.
More than 125,000 people walked through the gates at Beef2024 with 62 per cent of those coming from outside the Greater Rockhampton Region.
Beef Australia CEO Simon Irwin said the award was great recognition for all the staff, exhibitors, volunteers and contractors who all had a part in making the Beef event the success that it was.
“It’s great to see that world-class events can be held in regional Australia and awards like these really help in spreading the word that Beef is a must-see,” he said.
A business that started in Yeppoon more than 20 years ago, Fun Over 50 Holidays, now based in Brisbane, took home a gold award in the Tours and Transport Operators category.
Other finalists from the Central Queensland, Mackay and Whitsundays region that were nominated for the Australian Tourism awards included: Explore Rockhampton Accessible Tourism Campaign by Advance Rockhampton in the Tourism Marketing and Campaigns category; and Great Keppel Island Hideaway in the 3-3.5 Star Accommodation category.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said they were all winners for being nominated and put in the national spotlight.
“It’s a big achievement to receive a state tourism award, let alone a national tourism award,” she said.
“Winning gold and silver on the national stage is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the passion, dedication, and innovation of our tourism industry.
“Fun Over 50 Holidays has been instrumental in bringing visitors to our region and crafting unforgettable experiences, while Beef Australia continues to put Rockhampton in the international spotlight. Their success is something the whole community can be proud of.”
Ms Carroll said Toni Brennan was due to bring a tour to Great Keppel Island next week.
She said Ms Brennan, when receiving the award last night, told the audience she had clients tell her they book with Fun Over 50 Holidays because of the awards they have received.
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams congratulated the region’s winners and said Rockhampton was well and truly punching above its weight.
“We are such a strong region when it comes to tourism, events and visitation,” Cr Williams said.
“To have three entrants representing Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast is an excellent achievement and really demonstrates the investment being made through Advance Rockhampton.
“Tourism is such a critical industry for local jobs and business.
“Whether it’s the local cafes, hotels, restaurants or retail, we know that visitation means investment in our region and in local jobs.
Australian Tourism Awards chairperson Shaun de Bruyn said the awards have been a testament to the vision, perseverance and passion of our industry over the past 40 years.
“Each winner represents the evolving spirit of Australian tourism – businesses that embrace innovation, adapt to change, and continually raise the bar for visitor experiences,” he said.
“This milestone is not just about celebrating history but also looking ahead to who will shape Australian tourism into the future.”
FULL LIST OF QUEENSLAND WINNERS
The following is the complete list of categories and Queensland winners at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
GOLD
• Birdsville Big Red Bash – Festivals & Events
• Cape York Peninsula Lodge – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
• Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures – Tour & Transport Operators
• Sea World Cruises Dining Experiences – Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
• BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – Caravan & Holiday Parks Hall of Fame inductee
• The Reef House Adults Retreat – 5 Star Luxury Accommodation
SILVER
• Beef Australia 2024 – Major Festivals & Events
• Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery – Visitor Information Services
• Pinnacles, Airlie Beach – Self Contained Accommodation
BRONZE
• Ocean Rafting – Major Tour & Transport Operators
• Aquascene Magnetic Island – Adventure Tourism
• Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
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