Tourism leader pays tribute to Far North’s award-winning dedicated dozen
A host of the Far North’s top tourism destinations, experiences and leaders have been recognised with a regional tourism leader praising the sector’s commitment and passion for delivering world class products and services.
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A host of the Far North’s top tourism destinations and experiences have been recognised with a regional tourism leader praising the sector’s commitment and passion for delivering world class products and services.
In total, the region claimed a dozen awards at the Queensland Tourism Awards in Brisbane with a northern beaches getaway taking out one of the event’s most coveted honours.
Featuring beachside views of the Coral Sea, The Reef House Adults Retreat at Palm Cove has been named Queensland’s best Five Star Luxury Accommodation after winning Gold in the Queensland Tourism Awards.
Retreat director Malcolm Bean said he was honoured to win the prestigious award for the third year in a row and enter the industry’s Hall of Fame.
“A big thank you goes to the dedicated team at The Reef House Adults Retreat led by general manager Wayne Harris as each staff member is committed to ensuring every guest feels like a VIP,” he said.
Billed as an “adults-only escape” catering to couples, resort guests are greeted with a complimentary alcoholic beverage and cold towel upon arrival.
Personalised itineraries are created by “escape planning specialists” to ensure travellers feel relaxed and rejuvenated, Mr Bean said.
“Over the past year we have continued to develop our guest experiences and have created a walk-in wine cellar where guests are taken on a wine appreciation journey with the sommelier,” he said.
Outstanding accommodation was complimented by innovative operators and emerging leaders within the industry, Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said.
“Skypark by AJ Hackett picked up the people’s choice award and some of the other icons of the region including Cobbold Gorge, Skyrail, and Mossman Gorge,” Mr Olsen said.
“Our awesome Cape York Motorcycle and Small World Journeys tours brought home silver and bronze with the region bringing home twelve awards in all.
“It’s great to see operators from right across the region recognised and in such a wide variety of categories reflecting the amazing depth and diversity of our tourism offering in tropical north Queensland.”
The Reef House’s dedicated service, including a pool butler who serves cold towels and sorbets, has created a loyal clientele with 36 per cent of guest nights from repeat visitors.
“Today The Reef House Adults Retreat continues to treat every guest like a celebrity,” Mr Bean said.
FAR NORTH WINNERS
Major Tourist Attractions
Silver - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Bronze - Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre
Tourist Attractions
Tourist Attractions
Silver – Cobbold Gorge Tours
Bronze - Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett
Ecotourism
Bronze - Small World Journeys
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
Gold - Cape York Peninsula Lodge
Adventure Tourism
Silver - Cape York Motorcycle Adventures
4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
Gold - Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Silver - Cape York Peninsula Lodge
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Gold – The Reef House Adults Retreat
The Stephen Gregg Award for Young Achiever of the Year
Gold - Barefoot Tours - Chelsea Handley
RACQ People’s Choice - Experiences and Services
Gold – Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett
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