Queensland’s skies, rainforests, oceans and rivers provide the perfect “workplace” for 10 adventure tourism operators nominated in this month’s Queensland Tourism Awards.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said today entrants in the popular Adventure Tourism category included dive, helicopter, fishing, sailing and general adventure operators from the Gold Coast to Cape Tribulation.

“Queensland’s outdoors is a haven for adventure tourism advocates keen to explore and experience our oceans, rivers, blue skies, national parks and tropical rainforests,” Mrs Keech said.

“Adventure tourism is a particularly fast-growing tourism sector around the world and adventure tourists tend to be affluent and well-educated, with an interest in environmental issues, traditional cultures and remote or difficult destinations.

“They are seeking a challenge that may be physically demanding with an element of risk or may be a milder experience with less exertion.

“At this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards, held on 17 November, there are three entrants in this category from the Whitsundays region, two each from Townsville, Tropical North Queensland and the FraserCoast and one from Brisbane.”

The entrants in the Adventure Tourism category are:

• Tallships Adventures (Whitsundays)
• Whitsunday Escape (Whitsundays)
• Whitsunday Heliport (Whitsundays)
• Pro Dive Townsville (Townsville)
• Adrenalin Dive (Townsville)
• Jungle Surfing Canopy tours (Tropical North Queensland)
• Pro Dive Cairns (Tropical North Queensland)
• MI Helicopters (Fraser Coast)
• Nomad Sportsfishing Adventures (Fraser Coast)
• Riverlife Adventure Centre (Brisbane)

“I would like to congratulate all the nominees for participating in this year’s award and wish them the best of luck on the night,” Mrs Keech said.

The 22^nd annual Queensland Tourism Awards, which are organised by Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, will this year be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Queensland Rail’s Traveltrain Holidays is principal partner for the gala event and Jimbour Wines is Exclusive Wine Partner.

Tickets for the gala event are available by contacting Jane Richmond on (07) 3535 5200 or visit www.queenslandtourismawards.com.au.

Media Inquiries: David Smith 3225 1005 or Louise Yates 3535 5349 / 0403 713 176 (Tourism Queensland)