Tourism Minister Margaret Keech today announced two major sponsorship deals for the state’s prestigious annual tourism awards.

Mrs Keech said QR’s Traveltrain Holidays would be the principal partner of the Queensland Tourism Awards next month and that Jimbour Wines would be the exclusive wine sponsor.

“These two partnerships demonstrate the growth and synergy of our tourism and wine industries, with QR continuing its long-standing relationship with the Awards as principal partner and Jimbour Wines coming on board for the first time as exclusive wine sponsor,” she said.

“QR’s Traveltrain Holidays is one of our most well-known tourism operators, providing visitors to Queensland with a unique holiday experience, which begins the moment they board the trains.

“Over the years, Tourism Queensland has built a tremendous working relationship with QR so we are looking forward to another great partnership for the Awards this year.”

QR General Manager of Marketing and Sales Wayne Carlson said while Traveltrain Holidays was gearing up for big things in 2007, the organisation continued to recognise the importance of supporting the tourism industry at a state level.

“Traveltrain Holidays’ long distance trains are an integral part of travelling in Queensland and we take great pride in our partnerships with Tourism Queensland and local tourism authorities in supporting state initiatives,” he said.

“We also pride ourselves on our ability to deliver a great Queensland experience and are thrilled to continue our partnership with another great travel experience – this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards.

”Traveltrain Holidays joins with Tourism Queensland in welcoming Jimbour Wines on board.”

Mrs Keech said as part of its sponsorship, Jimbour Wines would provide a selection of red, white and sparkling wines for around 1200 guests attending the gala evening at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 November.

“The Queensland Tourism Awards celebrate the best of our tourism industry and we are looking forward to enjoying on the night some of our best local produce, including wines, with the support of Jimbour Wines,” she said.

“Wine tourism is a fast growing tourism sector with more than 160 wineries in the state, many of which have received national and international acclaim.

“As a first-time sponsor of the Awards, I would like to welcome Jimbour Wines on board for the tourism industry’s night of nights.”

Director of Sales and Marketing Chris Moyle said Jimbour Wines was proud to be a part of the Awards.

“This is a great opportunity for Jimbour Wines to be involved with Tourism Queensland and to showcase our wines in front of an influential audience from around the state,” Mr Moyle said.

“We are looking forward to matching food and wine from our great state and to really show what we can do in Queensland.”

Mrs Keech said nearly 200 nominations had been received for the Awards, which were held each year with cooperation and support from industry.

“We are delighted that the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is providing the venue as one of the event’s supporters,” Mrs Keech said.

“We also welcome the involvement of Channel 7, Qantas, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Castlemaine Perkins, Staging Dimensions, Cutting Edge, Ernst & Young, and Printcraft.

”The Awards, which celebrate excellence in 28 diverse categories, are organised annually by Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.”

For further information, visit www.queenslandtourismawards.com.au.

Media contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Louise Yates (Tourism Queensland) 3535 5349