Double win for the Sunshine Coast 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
Sunshine Coast tourism operators have taken out two of the most coveted categories at the Australian Tourism Awards, including major tourist attraction and best tour operator, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle announced.
Australia Zoo won the award for Australia’s major tourist attraction, while ecotourism operator the Discovery Group won for best tour operator.
“This is a fantastic result for the Sunshine Coast 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 Australia Zoo was now a hallmark destination and she congratulated Terri Irwin and her team on their tremendous win.
“This prestigious award is another wonderful accolade for Australia Zoo who has also won back-to-back Queensland Tourism Awards.”
The Discovery Group had also edged out a strong field from across the country to win the tour and transport operator category.
“With 30 years of expertise and a commitment to fostering environmental and cultural understanding, the group’s eco cruises and luxury 4WD adventure tours have enthralled thousands of visitors to the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
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 Queensland tourism, I congratulate Queensland tourism operators for their continued commitment to quality service, product innovation and sustainable practices.”
Ends
Further information:
Minister’s office – 3225 1005
Tourism Queensland – 3535 5588
Sunshine Coast tourism operators have taken out two of the most coveted categories at the Australian Tourism Awards, including major tourist attraction and best tour operator, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle announced.
Australia Zoo won the award for Australia’s major tourist attraction, while ecotourism operator the Discovery Group won for best tour operator.
“This is a fantastic result for the Sunshine Coast 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 Australia Zoo was now a hallmark destination and she congratulated Terri Irwin and her team on their tremendous win.
“This prestigious award is another wonderful accolade for Australia Zoo who has also won back-to-back Queensland Tourism Awards.”
The Discovery Group had also edged out a strong field from across the country to win the tour and transport operator category.
“With 30 years of expertise and a commitment to fostering environmental and cultural understanding, the group’s eco cruises and luxury 4WD adventure tours have enthralled thousands of visitors to the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
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 Queensland tourism, I congratulate Queensland tourism operators for their continued commitment to quality service, product innovation and sustainable practices.”
Ends
Further information:
Minister’s office – 3225 1005
Tourism Queensland – 3535 5588