FOUR TOURISM GONGS FOR BRISBANE

Brisbane won four of the tourism industry’s top accolades at Friday night’s 2006 Queensland Tourism Awards, with a further 19 finalists also recognised during the gala evening.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said the Queensland Tourism Awards recognised the best of the best.

“It was inspiring to see so many worthy entrants and so many delighted and enthusiastic winners and finalists in a diverse range of 28 award categories,” Mrs Keech said.

“I must congratulate the tourism operators in Brisbane for their outstanding efforts and results this year.

“RACQ won its third consecutive award in the General Tourism Services category and was appropriately honoured with entry in the Hall of Fame, an outstanding effort.

“To be invited to join the Hall of Fame requires tremendous commitment by the recipient and an ongoing delivery of the highest standard in service and product provision – no mean feat in such a competitive and valued industry.

”Another Brisbane-based entrant to the Hall of Fame this year was the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, which secured its second place in the prestigious gallery of tourism leaders.

“Other Hall of Fame entrants this year included Dreamworld, Fantasea Cruises, Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week, Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, Albert River Wines and AshmorePalmsHolidayVillage.

“QR’s Traveltrain Holidays’ Queenslander class on The Sunlander won the hotly contested Unique Accommodation award.

“Helping to train newcomers to the industry is vital for the future of tourism and its professionalism. The University of Queensland’s School of Tourism took out the Tourism Education and Training category.

“And Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge in the beautiful Scenic Rim region took out the Luxury Accommodation award, testimony to its excellence in fine hospitality and service.”

The Gold Coast and Tropical North Queensland topped the state with six awards each on the night.

The SunshineCoast and the Whitsundays region each won four awards with two wins from the Outback and one each from the Fraser Coast South Burnett and Townsville regions.

Townsville’s BungalowBayKoalaVillage, nominated by Wildlife Enterprises, was recognised as the Best Entry of the evening and received $10,000 in publicity for its efforts.

Around 1,200 tourism leaders and representatives attended the prestigious awards ceremony to celebrate and commemorate excellence in the industry, held this year at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Mrs Keech paid tribute to the organisers of the event – Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council – as well as the 13-member Judging Panel and the sponsors for ensuring the gala evening was a huge success.

“This is the 10^th year that QR’s Traveltrain Holidays has provided its support and backing to the awards and we were delighted that they joined as our principal partner this year,” she said.

“All Queensland winners will now progress to the Australian Tourism Awards on 23 February 2007.

“There they will fly the Queensland flag and hopefully continue our proud record at the national level and showcase Queensland as the number one destination of choice.”

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

Media contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Louise Yates 3535 5349 / 0419 713 176 (Tourism Queensland)