Fraser Coast tourism industry celebrates at annual awards

Tourism operators throughout the Wide Bay and Fraser Coast regions have been recognised for their hard work and dedication to the industry at the annual Fraser Coast Tourism Awards.

Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey attended the event last night and extended her congratulations to the 2012 award winners.

“The Fraser Coast Tourism Awards recognise the countless hours local operators dedicate to ensuring visitors to the region feel welcome and have the best possible experience,” Ms Stuckey said.

“I would like to congratulate all of the award winners, as well as the four operators – Equathon, Aquavue Café Waterspots, Alexander Lakeside Bed & Breakfast and Emeraldene Inn & Eco Lodge which have been inducted into the Hall of Fame in their respective categories.

“Tourism Fraser Coast deserves commendation for the outstanding work it does supporting the local industry.

“The Newman Government has recognised tourism as one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy and operators throughout the Fraser Coast and Wide Bay will help us reach our goal to double overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.”

The 2012 Fraser Coast Tourism Award winners are:

·         General Tourism Services: Quintessential Fraser Coast – Hervey Bay Airport & Fraser Island Visitor Information Centre

·         Best Website: Emeraldene Inn & Eco Lodge

·         Tourism Retailing: Quintessential Fraser Coast – Hervey Bay Airport & Fraser Island Visitor Information Centre

·         Restaurants: Wild Lotus Bar & Restaurant

·         Licensed Hotels: Bayswater Hotel

·         Registered Clubs: Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club Inc.

·         Conference and Meeting Services: Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village

·         Regional Festivals and Special Events: 2XU Hervey Bay Triathlon & Multisports Festival

·         Environmental Tourism: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

·         Tour Operators: Hervey Bay Whale Watch

·         Adventure Tourism: Aquavue Café Watersports

·         Transport Operators: Fraser Island Barges

·         Whale Encounters Operator: Blue Dolphin Marine Tours

·         Tourist and Caravan Parks: Happy Wanderer Village

·         Hosted Accommodation: Villa Cavour Bed & Breakfast

·         Budget Accommodation: Kingfisher Court

·         Unique Accommodation: Eco Queenslander

·         Deluxe Accommodation: McNevins Motel Maryborough

·         Luxury Accommodation: Akama Resort

·         Young Tourism Achiever of the Year: Julia Paussa

·         Chairman’s Encouragement Award: Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat

·         Best Tourism Business: Happy Wanderer Village

·         John Craig-Gardiner Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual: Peter Lynch

[ENDS] 13 October 2012

Media Contact: Lynette Keep: 0419 620 299