Published Friday, 14 November, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Azjure Studio Retreat honoured at Qld Tourism Awards
Ballandean’s Azjure Studio Retreat has been named a finalist in the deluxe accommodation category at the prestigious 2008 Queensland Tourism Awards, presented by Queensland Airports Limited, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle announced.
The awards were presented in a gala ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre this evening.
Ms Boyle said competition had been strong, with more than 200 entries across 29 categories.
“The awards recognise and reward excellence, innovation and success in our industry and all winners and finalists are to be commended for their efforts,” she said.
“With just three luxurious and eco-sensitive studios set amongst the vineyards in the picturesque Granite Belt wine region, first-time entrant Azjure Studio Retreat has clearly impressed the judges.
“It’s this level of enthusiasm and a commitment to providing quality service and imaginative experiences which really epitomises what the awards, and indeed the tourism industry in Queensland, is all about.”
Ms Boyle also congratulated Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) for organising and hosting the 2008 Queensland Tourism Awards.
“Thank you to our awards’ platinum sponsor Queensland Airports Limited for its generous support in presenting the 2008 awards,” she said.
QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the awards' 13-member judging panel was impressed by entrants' high degree of professionalism and business acumen.
"In these tough economic times, it becomes more imperative than ever for tourism businesses to employ sound planning and rigorous self-assessment," Mr Gschwind said.
"The Queensland Tourism Awards remains one of the best tools to guide operators through this process, with business planning a key component of every entry.
"Competition was as strong as ever this year and judges were pleased to see such high standards applied to submissions.”
Mr Gschwind also congratulated Qantas for its involvement in the new Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, which recognises successful businesses whose operations conserve natural resources, respect local cultures and benefit neighbouring communities.
"Sustainability will continue to be a key concern for any tourism business, particularly for those Queensland destinations whose trade relies on credibility for environmental responsibility," he said.
All Queensland Tourism Award winners will progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Melbourne on 27 February 2009.
Ends
Media contact: Minister’s office 0419 025 326, Tourism Queensland 0424 151 684
The awards were presented in a gala ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre this evening.
Ms Boyle said competition had been strong, with more than 200 entries across 29 categories.
“The awards recognise and reward excellence, innovation and success in our industry and all winners and finalists are to be commended for their efforts,” she said.
“With just three luxurious and eco-sensitive studios set amongst the vineyards in the picturesque Granite Belt wine region, first-time entrant Azjure Studio Retreat has clearly impressed the judges.
“It’s this level of enthusiasm and a commitment to providing quality service and imaginative experiences which really epitomises what the awards, and indeed the tourism industry in Queensland, is all about.”
Ms Boyle also congratulated Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) for organising and hosting the 2008 Queensland Tourism Awards.
“Thank you to our awards’ platinum sponsor Queensland Airports Limited for its generous support in presenting the 2008 awards,” she said.
QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the awards' 13-member judging panel was impressed by entrants' high degree of professionalism and business acumen.
"In these tough economic times, it becomes more imperative than ever for tourism businesses to employ sound planning and rigorous self-assessment," Mr Gschwind said.
"The Queensland Tourism Awards remains one of the best tools to guide operators through this process, with business planning a key component of every entry.
"Competition was as strong as ever this year and judges were pleased to see such high standards applied to submissions.”
Mr Gschwind also congratulated Qantas for its involvement in the new Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, which recognises successful businesses whose operations conserve natural resources, respect local cultures and benefit neighbouring communities.
"Sustainability will continue to be a key concern for any tourism business, particularly for those Queensland destinations whose trade relies on credibility for environmental responsibility," he said.
All Queensland Tourism Award winners will progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Melbourne on 27 February 2009.
Ends
Media contact: Minister’s office 0419 025 326, Tourism Queensland 0424 151 684