21 Sunshine Coast tourism operators nominated in Queensland awards

21 Sunshine Coast tourism operators nominated in Queensland awards

The 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards has announced 21 Sunshine Coast tourism operator nominations - recognising their outstanding performance in the most challenging of economic and trading conditions.

Queensland’s best performing operators will be crowned at an Awards Gala Ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 12th November.

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 (QTIC) and presented by Queensland Airports Limited.

Sunshine Coast’s nominees will compete in over 30 award categories, ranging from best adventure and cultural tourism operators to Queensland’s leading accommodation and tourism restaurants.

Visit Sunshine Coast Chief Executive, Matt Stoeckel, congratulated all the nominees, saying that the diversity of the operators nominated highlighted the breadth and the depth of the region’s tourism quality.

Stoeckel notes “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.

“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.

Stoeckel adds “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.”

This year’s Sunshine Coast nominees are:

• 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

Full details of the awards and the ceremony: qtic.com.au/queensland-tourism-awards/

Image top: Sunshine Coast Sunreef Mooloolaba; image centre Sunshine Coast Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat; image above Sunshine Coast Original Eumundi Markets.