COAST SHINES AT TOURISM AWARDS

Four SunshineCoast tourism operators received top honours at the 2006 Queensland Tourism Awards.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said the Sunshine Coast made a strong showing at the prestigious awards, upping its accolades from three last year to four this year as well as producing seven finalists.

“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 28 award categories,” Mrs Keech said.

“Australia Zoo Retail won the Tourism Retailing category for the second year in a row – a popular and well-deserved win for this highly successful attraction.

“The SunshineCoast also won the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category for the second year in a row, thanks to the Spirit House Restaurant and CookingSchool.

“Tourism Noosa is to be congratulated for taking out the Destination Promotion award and Buderim Ginger’s Overboard launch campaign won the Tourism Product Marketing award, an outstanding effort for a first-time entrant.

“Both these award categories are crucial to our industry, celebrating excellence in promoting and marketing our product in innovative and exciting ways in order to attract further visitors to their respective region and attraction.

“A highlight of the evening was Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village winning the newly-named Steve Irwin Ecotourism Award.

“And Salt Magazine received a Cutting Edge Directions’ Award in the Media category for the high standard of its nomination.

“I would like to congratulate all the tourism operators on the Sunshine Coast who were represented on the night for their outstanding efforts and results this year.”

The Gold Coast and Tropical North Queensland regions topped the rankings during the night with six awards each. Brisbane and the Whitsundays each won four awards with two wins from the Outback and one each from the Fraser Coast South Burnett and Townsville regions.

Around 1,200 people attended the annual award ceremony, which celebrates and commemorates excellence in tourism 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).