TOWNSVILLE TO HOST TOURISM AWARDS

The cream of Queensland’s tourism industry will converge on Townsville in early November to celebrate the 2007 Queensland Tourism Awards, Tourism Minister Margaret Keech announced today.

Mrs Keech said the decision to hold the awards in Townsville came from a commitment by the State Government and Tourism Queensland to move the event outside of South-East Queensland.

“I would like to congratulate Townsville Enterprise on the quality of their proactive Submission of Interest,” Mrs Keech said.

“The comprehensive report left no doubt about Townsville’s ability to assist Tourism Queensland in driving sponsorship, accommodation and awareness of the 2007 event.

“Queensland is Australia’s premier holiday destination and is blessed with strong, professional, world-class operators and attractions.

“Tourism Queensland relies heavily on the Regional Tourism Organisations for support.

“In 2006 the Awards attracted more than 1,200 tourism industry representatives.

“Townsville Enterprise's submission highlighted its dedication to supporting an event of the highest quality.

“Townsville also abounds with a range of beautiful natural and man-made venues.

“I look forward to making an official announcement on the venue and date in the near future.”

Mrs Keech said the awards were about more than just recognising outstanding individual achievements.

“The Queensland Tourism Awards are produced by Tourism Queensland to highlight the outstanding work being done by the tourism industry as a whole,” she said.

“It’s a celebration of one of Queensland’s strongest and fastest growing industries, and the people and organisations that help make it successful.”

Media contacts: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534