Tropical North triumphs taking home three at Australian Tourism Awards
Published Friday, 27 February, 2009 at 09:00 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
UNDER STRICT EMBARGO until 10pm, Friday 27th February 2009
Tropical North Queensland tourism operators have taken out three of the most coveted categories at the Australian Tourism Awards, including Major Tour Operator, the tourism marketing category and the Qantas Sustainable Tourism Award, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle announced.
Quicksilver Group took out the major tour operator and tourism marketing category, while Cairns-based Skyrail Rainforest Cableway won the Qantas Sustainable Tourism Award.
“This is a fantastic result for the Tropical North Queensland’s tourism industry,” Ms Boyle said.
“Tourism directly employs 119,000 Queenslanders and contributes more than $8 billion to our economy each year.
“The current economic climate means 2008 was a tough year for many operators and 2009 is shaping up to be equally tough so it’s fantastic to see Queensland take out five of the 27 awards, particularly in what are some of the most hotly contended categories.”
Ms Boyle said Queensland had a strong showing at the awards from reef tour heavyweights Quicksilver Group and Skyrail in the north through to Australia Zoo and the Discovery Group in the south.
“What a wonderful night for reef tour operators the Quicksilver Group, and I congratulate managing director Tony Baker and his team for their continued commitment to quality service, product innovation and sustainable practices.
“They are real ambassadors not only for the Tropical North, but for the Queensland industry as a whole.”
Ms Boyle said Skyrail also continued to set the pace for operator excellence, winning the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.
“Skyrail exemplifies how a tourism business can minimise its environmental impact, respect local cultures and benefit local communities while delivering a world-class experience for visitors,” Ms Boyle said.
“Skyrail is a shining example that other tourism operators from across Australia and around the world can look up to.”
“My commiserations go to the other Tropical North Queensland operators who were nominated for awards but missed out such as Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours, Passions of Paradise and Murdering Point Winery.
Ends
Further information:
Minister’s office – 3225 1005
Tourism Queensland – 3535 5588
Tropical North Queensland tourism operators have taken out three of the most coveted categories at the Australian Tourism Awards, including Major Tour Operator, the tourism marketing category and the Qantas Sustainable Tourism Award, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle announced.
Quicksilver Group took out the major tour operator and tourism marketing category, while Cairns-based Skyrail Rainforest Cableway won the Qantas Sustainable Tourism Award.
“This is a fantastic result for the Tropical North Queensland’s tourism industry,” Ms Boyle said.
“Tourism directly employs 119,000 Queenslanders and contributes more than $8 billion to our economy each year.
“The current economic climate means 2008 was a tough year for many operators and 2009 is shaping up to be equally tough so it’s fantastic to see Queensland take out five of the 27 awards, particularly in what are some of the most hotly contended categories.”
Ms Boyle said Queensland had a strong showing at the awards from reef tour heavyweights Quicksilver Group and Skyrail in the north through to Australia Zoo and the Discovery Group in the south.
“What a wonderful night for reef tour operators the Quicksilver Group, and I congratulate managing director Tony Baker and his team for their continued commitment to quality service, product innovation and sustainable practices.
“They are real ambassadors not only for the Tropical North, but for the Queensland industry as a whole.”
Ms Boyle said Skyrail also continued to set the pace for operator excellence, winning the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.
“Skyrail exemplifies how a tourism business can minimise its environmental impact, respect local cultures and benefit local communities while delivering a world-class experience for visitors,” Ms Boyle said.
“Skyrail is a shining example that other tourism operators from across Australia and around the world can look up to.”
“My commiserations go to the other Tropical North Queensland operators who were nominated for awards but missed out such as Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours, Passions of Paradise and Murdering Point Winery.
Ends
Further information:
Minister’s office – 3225 1005
Tourism Queensland – 3535 5588