FIVE STRIKES FOR QLD AT TOURISM AWARDS

Queensland has taken home five of the top gongs at the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards, Tourism Minister Margaret Keech has announced.

Mrs Keech, who was in Sydney Friday night for the annual awards, congratulated the winners for their outstanding work and contribution to Queensland’s $18 billion-plus tourism industry.

“Their achievements highlight the diversity of top quality tourism operators in the state, with winners coming from the bush right through to the beaches,” she said.

“Outback Queensland Tourism Authority won the ‘Media’ category for Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide.

“This is major national recognition of the tireless work being undertaken to raise the region’s profile.

“The Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide is designed to be a must-have traveller’s companion for anyone planning a holiday in Outback Queensland.”

The Sunshine Coast region picked up two awards, with Australia Zoo and Tourism Noosa beating tough competition.

“Australia Zoo won the category of Tourism Retailing through its efforts to redefine ecotourism and the tourism attraction experience,” Mrs Keech said.

“Tourism Noosa was the much deserved winner of the Destination Promotion category for its development of industry partnerships that are helping guide strategic marketing and tourism development in the Noosa region.”

Australia’s leading Great Barrier Reef cruise operator, The Quicksilver Group (Tropical North Queensland) , took out the best ‘Tour and Travel Operator – Major’ category.

“This operator has beaten some of the country’s major tour and transport operators to win this prestigious award,” Mrs Keech said.

“The Quicksilver Group has been a pioneer of environmentally sustainable tourism in Queensland.”

The Whitsundays’ largest day cruise operator, Fantasea Cruises, also sailed to victory in the major category ‘Significant Tourist Attraction’.

“The company was up against some very strong national competition, which proves that Queensland is home to some of the best tourism operators in the world,’’ Mrs Keech said.

“Queensland continues to set the benchmark for Australia holiday experiences thanks to the hard work of tourism operators and organisations.

“It is great to see dedicated Queensland tourism operators recognised not only on a state level but nationally.”

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