Australia Zoo Joins Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame

Having been named Queensland's top major tourist attraction for the third year in a row, Australia Zoo has joined Queensland Tourism's Hall of Fame.
The Irwin family's Sunshine Coast wildlife park was recognised at the Queensland Tourism Awards ceremony on the Gold Coast, State Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor saying that the attraction brought thousands of visitors to the region each year.
Minister Lawlor stated "in addition to being a first-class tourist attraction, Australia Zoo's conservation work and commitment to raising environmental awareness means it is well deserved to be inducted into Queensland's Tourism Hall of Fame."
Having been notified of the win, owner Terri Irwin stated "we are so proud to be recognised as a tourism icon in both Queensland and Australia, being honoured also at the Australian Tourism Awards earlier this year."
Other tourism operators to win their category for a third year running - entitling them to enter the hall of fame - included the Capricorn region's Rubyvale Gem Gallery, north Queensland reef tour operator Passions of Paradise and Townsville's Noorla Heritage Resort.
All State winners will progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, to be held in Hobart in February 2010.