Queensland tourism industry excellence celebrated

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has taken the top honours and industry leader Paul Donovon has been recognised for his contribution to the tourism industry at tonight’s Queensland Tourism Awards 2022.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk applauded the exceptional calibre of nominations for the 37^th annual gala event on the Gold Coast which caps off an extraordinary week for the sector.

“The Queensland Tourism Award winners recognise both new and established iconic tourism operations from every corner of the state,” the Premier said.

“The depth and breadth of our world-class tourism offering was evident from the 150 strong nominations in 31 award categories.

“Congratulations to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and all the category winners.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Tourism Awards had capped off a remarkable year for domestic tourism.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners and finalists on delivering world-class visitor experiences and making Queensland Australia’s destination of choice,” Mr Hinchliffe said.      

“Domestic tourism in Queensland has bounced back strongly this year with a record $19.6 billion in overnight visitor spending.

“This nation leading result that owes much to the hard work and resilience of Queensland’s tourism operators.

“Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s gold for Major Tourism Attraction is a terrific example of a much-loved experience that’s upgraded and adapted over the years to meet the changing visitor expectations.

“The Palaszczuk Government helped to get Mackay’s new Wildcat catamaran into the water through the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

“It’s wonderful to see Asher and Julie Telford winning gold for the best New Tourism Business while creating a new visitor experience for Mackay and new tourism industry jobs.

“The Awards rightfully recognise former Destination Gold Coast Chairman Paul Donovon for his tireless work in steering the Gold Coast tourism to success. 

“Paul Donovon is a deserving recipient of the Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

“The 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards have delivered a big night for Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort with the Gash family entering the prestigious Hall of Fame.

“Amy Gash is this year’s Young Achiever and the resort’s commitment to sustainability recognised with the Steve Irwin Award for Eco Tourism.  

“There were many more award winners tonight from Indigenous culture to caravan parks and each are an inspiration for the entire industry.” 

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Brett Fraser said the awards had brought together an outstanding selection of operators that truly reflect the diverse range of the state’s quality tourism offerings.

“Collectively, this year’s recipients are a testament to the strength and calibre of the state’s tourism operators, and I applaud this great industry and its people for the innovation and resilience they have displayed,” Mr Fraser said.

Twenty-eight of Queensland’s best progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in March 2023 to be judged against finalists from each State and Territory.

“The Queensland Tourism Awards and this week’s launch of the Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap are part of an exciting future for Queensland’s tourism industry,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“With the rebuild of our international visitor economy underway and a runway of opportunities to the 2032 Games, Queensland tourism operators have a lot to look forward to.”

Queensland Tourism Awards winners are on the Queensland Tourism Industry Council website.

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