Innovation prized on World Tourism Day

Tourism Minister Kate Jones today announced Brisbane-based company EarthCheck, a world leader in its field, as the winner of the 2017 Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Prize for Innovation in Tourism.

Ms Jones made the announcement as part of a special celebration to mark World Tourism Day at Flight Centre’s new corporate headquarters at South Bank in Brisbane.

“EarthCheck epitomises innovation through the work it is doing with government, business and industry to create safe and healthy destinations for tourist,” she said.

“Innovation is essential to keep Queensland’s tourism industry going from strength to strength which is why the Palaszczuk Government support this $30 000 prize.

“I am thrilled to announce EarthCheck as the QTIC winner prize for innovation in tourism for its Building Planning and Design Standard which enables the integrated assessment of environmental, social and economic impacts of a tourism project.

“Visitors expect safe, high quality and unique experiences, as well reassurance that the products and services they use have been sustainably sourced and operated.

“EarthCheck’s work has significant potential application across the entire tourism industry and is a great example of how Queensland is contributing to global solutions.

“Given that the theme for this year’s World Tourism Day’s is Sustainable Tourism, this makes EarthCheck a deserving winner.”

Ms Jones said the two runners up - Australian Age of Dinosaurs and Capricorn Caves - will receive support, advice and mentoring through TAFE Queensland’s Building Better Business program.

“Australian Age of Dinosaurs and Capricorn Caves both demonstrate innovative tourism product by combining education and research as part of their investment in new visitor experiences,” she said.

“They both cater to increasing visitor expectations for unique experiences, but also have the potential to enhance our understanding of the past and future through collaborative education and research efforts and to grow our $25 billion tourism industry.”

Ms Jones congratulated all 14 entries from across Queensland including Cairns, Capricorn, Outback Queensland, Whitsundays, Bundaberg and Brisbane.

“I applaud their ingenuity and commitment to ensure Queensland’s tourism industry remains competitive and continues to grow jobs,” she said.

CEO of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council Daniel Gschwind said unique and innovative attractions and experiences were essential to drive visitation and keep visitors in Queensland longer.

“The QTIC Prize for Innovation in Tourism is an opportunity for Queensland tourism businesses to be publicly acknowledged for their dedication to develop products, services or processes designed to drive our industry forward,” Mr Gschwind said.

“It’s fantastic to see EarthCheck claim the prize this year and be rewarded for an innovative process that it not only good for businesses, but is good for the planet.  

“The QTIC Prize for Innovation in Tourism reinforces the importance of continually innovating to drive a competitive industry – an industry that employs 225 000 people.”

For more information about the awards and winners please visit www.qtic.com.au

For more information about TAFE Queensland’s Building a Better Business program please visit https://business.tafeqld.edu.au/workshops/view/build-better-business-workshop

Media: 3719 7530