Queensland dominates Qantas Australian Tourism Awards with 16 out of 25 categories won
Queensland has taken out 16 of the 25 categories at Australia’s biggest annual celebration of tourism business excellence. SEE WHO THE WINNERS ARE
QLD Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Queensland has dominated the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney on Friday, securing an impressive 16 awards out of 25 categories.
The Sunshine State’s exceptional operators received seven gold, three silver, and six bronze accolades, at the biggest annual celebration of tourism business excellence in Australia, showcasing the state’s commitment to the tourism industry.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Brett Fraser said he was blown away by Queensland’s success at the awards ceremony.
“After a stellar year in which Queensland was Australia’s number one domestic visitor destination, it’s phenomenal to see so many of our operators recognised on the national stage,” he said.
“We’ve always known Queensland is home to some of the best events, accommodation providers and experiences in Australia, and now it’s official.
“For Queensland to be awarded gold, silver or bronze in 16 of the 25 categories is exceptional.”
Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience won the coveted tourist attraction award, while Wildcat Mackay, a catamaran tour company, and Bli Bli House on the Sunshine Coast were named best new tourism business and best hosted accommodation, respectively.
Brisbane’s Fun Over 50 Holidays, a luxury tour operator for more mature travellers took out the top gong for tour and transport operator and the acclaimed BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort was awarded gold for caravan and holiday parks.
Minister for Tourism Stirling Hinchliffe praised Queensland’s tourism businesses for their resilience, creativity, and commitment to success, as the state emerged victorious.
“Queensland has literally scooped the pool at the Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney tonight,” he said.
“This is Queensland’s best result at the national tourism awards since 2018.
“The resilience, commitment to success and creativity of Queensland tourism businesses really is second to none.”
Nine other tourism operators from across the sunshine state took to the podium with silver or bronze, including Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary who were crowned Australia’s third best major tourist attraction.
QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS WINNERS
GOLD Wildcat Mackay – New Tourism Business (Mackay)
GOLD Fun Over 50 Holidays – Tour and Transport Operators
GOLD BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – Caravan and Holiday Parks
GOLD Bli Bli House – Hosted Accommodation (Sunshine Coast)
GOLD Cape York Peninsula Lodge – 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
GOLD Outback Queensland Masters – Festivals & Events (St George to Mount Isa)
GOLD Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience – Tourist Attractions
SILVER Spirits of the Red Sand – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Tourism Experience
SILVER Ocean Rafting – Adventure Tourism (Whitsundays)
SILVER Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery – Visitor Information Services
BRONZE Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Major Tourist Attractions (Gold Coast)
BRONZE Sea World Cruises – Major Tour & Transport Operators (Gold Coast)
BRONZE Mitchell Grass Retreat – Unique Accommodation (Longreach)
BRONZE Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort – Eco-tourism
BRONZE Tourism Tropical North Queensland – Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
BRONZE Magnums Unique Accommodation Airlie Beach – 3-3.5 Star Accommodation (Whitsundays)
Inside the mission to pull Star casino back from the brink
Project Antares was the radical plan CEO Steve McCann had quietly been working on for months. It fell into place just as the casino was about to run out of cash.
Read more
Mecca’s tech men out-earning its female retail workers
Beauty giant Mecca’s C-suite pay gap favours women but lower wages for its hundreds of female retail workers, compared to higher paid men in its technology team, are an issue.
Read more