SIX CAPRICORN TOURISM FINALISTS

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech has congratulated Capricorn tourism operators after the region produced finalists in six categories at Friday night's 2006 Queensland Tourism Awards.

Mrs Keech said eight nominations had been received from the Capricorn region.

“The finalists should be very proud of their achievements as there was a high standard set from around Queensland this year in all the 28 categories featured at the awards,” she said.

“The finalists are to be commended for their excellent nominations and I hope they are motivated to enter again next year and once again demonstrate their enormous professionalism and passion for their product and services.

“The Capricorn finalists were:

* Keppel Bay Marina in the Significant Tourist Attraction category;

* the Rockhampton Tourist and Business Information Centre for the Rocky Barra Bounty in the Significant Regional Festival and Events category,

* The Coffeehouse Café and Wine Bar and Restaurant 98, both in the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category;

* Myella Farm Stay in the Hosted Accommodation category; and

* Coffeehouse Luxury Apartment Motel in the Deluxe Accommodation category.

“The Queensland Tourism Awards recognise the best of the best and it was inspiring to see so many worthy entrants and so many delighted and enthusiastic winners and finalists in a diverse range of categories.”

Around 1,200 tourism leaders and representatives attended the gala 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 or Louise Yates 3535 5349 / 0419 713 176 (Tourism Queensland)