A host of Sunshine Coast tourism operators have been nominated for the 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards, in recognition of their outstanding performances in trying times.
Twenty-one local operators are in the running for gongs, after showing resolve in challenging economic and trading conditions.
Some of the Sunshine Coast nominees are Australia Zoo, the Noosa Festival of Surfing, the Ginger Factory and Sunreef Mooloolaba.
The state’s best-performing operators will be crowned at an Awards Gala Ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Friday, November 12.
Now in its 36th year, the Queensland Tourism Awards recognise the outstanding strength, resilience and achievements of the state’s tourism operators.
The awards are hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and presented by Queensland Airports Limited.
Sunshine Coast nominees will compete in more than 30 award categories, ranging from best adventure and cultural tourism operators to Queensland’s leading accommodation and tourism restaurants.
Sunshine Coast nominees
- Australia Zoo
- Original Eumundi Markets LTD
- Mary Valley Rattler
- Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
- Tourism Noosa
- Noosa Festival of Surfing
- IRONMAN Oceania
- Pelican Boat Hire
- Coast to Hinterland Tours
- Sunreef Mooloolaba
- Amrita Park Meadery
- Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
- Bli Bli House Luxury Accommodation
- The Country House at Hunchy
- RACV Noosa Resort
- Bella Casa Noosa
- Saltwater Eco Tours
- Tasty Tours Pty Ltd
- NightQuarter/Malt Shovel Taphouse
- The Ginger Factory
- Noosa River Holiday Park
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, congratulated all the nominees, saying that the diversity of the nominated operators highlighted the breadth and the depth of the region’s tourism quality.
“It is wonderful to see many of our well-established operators such as The Ginger Factory, Original Eumundi Markets, and Mary Valley Rattler on track for awards, but it is even more impressive that new operators such as Saltwater Eco Tours and NightQuarter have been able to not only survive such challenging conditions, but achieve such recognition,” he said.
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“The operators nominated reflect what makes the Sunshine Coast such a premium destination. Many showcase our incredible marine life, while others celebrate the richness of the Hinterland experience and our nature-based attractions.
“Fortunately, the Sunshine Coast was able to stage a number of major events during the disrupted year – such as the IRONMAN Oceania and Noosa Festival of Surfing – and the fact that sporting teams have made the Sunshine Coast their second home over the past year is a powerful indication of the region’s suitability to host major outdoor events.
“It is also pleasing to see that food-based tourism businesses such as The Ginger Factory, Amrita Park Meadery and Tasty Tours are competing for awards. The region’s outstanding produce and restaurants are a major draw card for attracting discerning travellers to the Coast.
“We hope that many of the Sunshine Coast nominees go through to the Australian Tourism Awards, as we will be hosting the event on the Coast in early 2022.”
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Economy Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said this would be an exciting moment for our tourism operators.
“It’s been a tough year, so to be nominated for one of these Awards means they have really gone over and above to provide the best possible service and experience,” he said.
“We are proud of our Sunshine Coast tourism operators and praise their resilience. Our region has been open for business and welcoming visitors in challenging times, I really hope to see the Sunshine Coast shine through for the state.”
Full details of the awards and the ceremony: www.qtic.com.au/queensland-tourism-awards/
