Mackay Isaac Whitsunday operators win at 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards

The Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region shone at QLD tourism’s night of nights taking home 14 awards including multiple golds. See the full list.

Mackay Isaac Whitsunday tourism operators have proved they are among the best in the state by taking out top gongs at the industry’s night of nights.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards recognised outstanding success and resilience.

“After a pause in the awards program last year, it’s time to shake off the gloom, look forward and celebrate this great industry, its people and its future,” Mr Gschwind said.

Bringing home the accolades for Mackay were the Sarina Sugar Shed and Mackay Visitor Information Centre and Kiosk.

Sarina Sugar Shed operator Ian Mason said it was “truly an honour” to be recognised with two bronze awards in the excellence in food tourism, wineries and distilleries category.

“(The) Shed will continue to provide excellent service to our visitors and keep pushing tourism boundaries in creating a vibrant tour experience,” Mr Mason said.

Mackay Isaac Tourism chief executive officer Tas Webber said he was grateful for the information centre’s “strong and resilient” team who had worked with volunteers to overcome a struggling and uncertain year.

The centre and kiosk won bronze for showcasing excellence in the visitor information category.

In the Isaac region, the annual food mecca by the ocean that is the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend won gold in the festival and events category.

The accolade follows another gold in the 2021 Mackay Isaac Region Tourism Awards.

Isaac Mayor Anne Baker said it was not an overnight success but rather a culmination of continuous hard work.

“(The) Isaac region depends on tourism,” Cr Baker said.

“This multimillion-dollar industry employers more than 1000 people.

“We need to recognise the behind-the-scenes team.

“Without them, authentic local experiences are not possible.”

And over in the picturesque Whitsundays, the region snagged multiple awards including Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort winning gold for 5-star accommodation.

Cruise Whitsundays won silver for unique accommodation, with Whitsunday Escape taking home bronze in the same category.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort secured gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category and Tourism Whitsundays won bronze in the Richard Power Award for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns for the “Wonders of the Whitsunday” campaign.

Red Cat Adventures won multiple gold awards including for Adventure Tourism and Major Tour and/or Transport Operators with Ocean Rafting taking silver for the latter.

Pinnacles Resort took home gold for the Self-Contained Accommodation Award and And Whitsunday Coast Airport won silver for Tourism Retail and Hire Services.