The Sunshine Coast’s reputation as an holiday haven has been enhanced at the Queensland Tourism Awards.
Several local tourism operators were recognised at the awards, held at the Gold Coast.
Amaze World, Pelican Boat Hire, Noosa Visitor Information Centre, Humble On Duke, Bli Bli House Luxury Accommodation, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, RACV Noosa Resort, Creative Tours and Events and Australia Zoo were among those to receive accolades.
Amaze World was among the top three tourist attractions in the state.
Creative Tours claimed first place Excellence in Food Tourism. Founding Director Josh Donohoe, who is in London promoting the region at a tourism conference, said he was “incredibly proud”.
“Promoting the amazing food producers and farm to fork experiences, as well as our craft beer trails on the Sunshine Coast, is something I am genuinely passionate about.
“Our team is committed to assisting the continuing growth of this part of our region into the future and helping people to experience the best the Sunshine Coast has to offer.”
Noosaville business Pelican Boat Hire won the Tourism Retail & Hire Services award, for the second year in a row.
Co-owner Craig McGovern said the business responded strongly to challenges including COVID-19 and inundation by floodwaters in March.
“Pelican Boat Hire and its committed team love helping people enjoy the Noosa River,” he said.
“The Noosa River is a unique and incredible experience.” which we love sharing with locals and guests”.
It’s been a bounce-back year for the state’s tourism operators, after a couple of years impacted by COVID.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Brett Fraser paid tribute to them.
“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,” he said via a press release.
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Queensland recorded its highest ever intrastate visitor rate, noting a 21.5 per cent increase totalling $12.4 billion.
“In true Queenslander spirit, we are embracing the difficulties we face together by re connecting and discovering places in our own backyard, as together we are drawn to holidays within our home state,” Mr Fraser said.
“The past two years have re-defined how people live, work and travel, and the intrastate tourism we are experiencing is directly correlated to this.
“But this exponential growth doesn’t come without major challenges for our operators who continue to battle with a lack of workforce.”
Sunshine Coast place-getters
- Amaze World: Tourist Attractions, 3rd place.
- Pelican Boat Hire: Tourism Retail & Hire Services, 1st place.
- Noosa Visitor Information Centre: Visitor Information and Services, 2nd place.
- Humble On Duke: Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services, 2nd place.
- Bli Bli House Luxury Accommodation: Hosted Accommodation, 1st place.
- Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Hosted Accommodation, 2nd place.
- RACV Noosa Resort: Self Contained Accommodation, 1st place, RACQ People’s Choice Award – Accommodation, 1st place.
- Creative Tours and Events: Excellence in Food Tourism, 1st place.
- Australia Zoo: Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or a Volunteer Group, 3rd place.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the the awards celebrated a remarkable year.
“It has been terrific to see Queensland domestic tourism bounce back so strongly with a nation leading $19.6 billion in overnight visitor spending,” he said.
“We owe much of Queensland’s achievements to the hard work, resilience and innovation of the state’s tourism operators.
“With the rebuild of our international visitor economy underway and a runway of opportunities to the 2032 Games, Queensland tourism operators have reason to be confident.”
Select category winners gained automatic entry into the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Sydney on March 17.
