Queensland’s six Gold, eight Silver and three Bronze award-winning businesses were announced at a dazzling Gala Ceremony held overlooking the idyllic Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania on Friday 1 March, 2019.
The winners were among a group of 25 Queensland finalists that had taken out top spot in their respective categories at the 2018 Queensland Tourism Awards, the state’s most prestigious industry recognition program hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) in partnership with Queensland Airports Limited and Tourism and Events Queensland.
Australian Tourism Awards Chair and QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the calibre of finalists from across the country was exceptional and showed that Queensland operators could compete at the highest level.
“It’s a coup for the entire state to have 17 Queensland businesses and events honoured on a national level,” Mr Gschwind said.
“We have certainly booked our reputation for hosting outstanding events with the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers inducted into the prestigious National Hall of Fame – the State’s first inductee in a decade.
“It was also fantastic to see the awards spread across the State, with operators from Tropical North Queensland to the Gold Coast getting a piece of the action – it was a great night to be a Queenslander.”
Queensland locals, the Irwin family, was also awarded the prestigious title of Australian Tourism Legends – recognising their continued contribution to Australian tourism through the promotion of Australia as a destination of choice, and their tireless work in protecting the environment and ensuring the quality of our destinations are maintained for future generations.
“To reach the finalists stage of the Australian Tourism Awards is a great honour in itself and all finalists should be immensely proud of their achievements.
“These winners are truly the best of the best, with strong competition across all categories this year,” Mr Gschwind said.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the results highlighted the strength of Queensland’s world-class tourism industry.
“Queensland’s $25 billion tourism industry has boomed over the last 12 months. With a $14 billion pipeline for tourism infrastructure pipeline, an $800 million major events calendar and great trends in domestic and international visitor numbers, we know this sector will continue to grow in the future,” Ms Jones said.
“I’m so proud of all the Queensland winners and nominees recognised at the Australian Tourism Awards tonight and I congratulate them for their outstanding contributions to our industry.
“Our Government, in partnership with QTIC, will continue to be strong advocates for advancing Queensland’s tourism industry to ensure we achieve ongoing growth and success.”
More information is available on the Australian Tourism Awards or QTIC websites.
