OUTBACK SHOWS OFF TOURISM WARES

The Outback took out two top accolades at tonight’s 2006 Queensland Tourism Awards, with a further 11 finalists also recognised during the gala evening.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said the Outback was well-represented at the awards with 14 nominations overall.

“MountIsa’s Outback at Isa won the Heritage and Cultural Tourism award with the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame as one of the finalists,” Mrs Keech said.

“Outback at Isa last month won four awards at the 2006 Southern Cross Television Outback Queensland Tourism Awards and I am confident it will be extremely proud to represent the state next year at the national awards.

“The tourism complex has succeeded in merging a diverse range of experiences, from an educational fossil research centre and beautiful gallery and museum to an exciting underground mine tour and an Outback park.

“The Outback Queensland Tourism Authority took out the top award in the Media category with its Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide.

“It was also great to see that the Birdsville Races won a special Cutting Edge Directions’ Award in the Significant Festivals and Events category for the high standard and quality of its entry.

“I would like to congratulate all the Outback nominees, finalists and winners – Queensland’s Outback has so much to offer tourists and this is reflected by the strong showing at tonight’s awards.”

Mrs 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,” she said.

“Last year, the Outback produced six finalists so to increase that to 11 this year, plus two wins in important categories, is an outstanding improvement and indicative of the popularity and professionalism of this unique region.

Tropical North Queensland and the Gold Coast topped the state with six awards each on the night. The SunshineCoast, Whitsundays and Brisbane each won four awards with one win each from the Fraser Coast South Burnett and Townsville regions.

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 state winners 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)