QTIC names Caloundra as Queensland’s Top Tourism Town and Joel McPherson as winner of Top Tour Guide

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has named the coastal escape of Caloundra as the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000).

The annual Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate regional communities that demonstrate a commitment to visitor excellence.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said this was a wonderful achievement for everyone involved and shared “Positivity and business confidence breeds success and I congratulate the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Caloundra Taskforce for their efforts in showcasing our unique destination.

“It is great to see our family friendly Caloundra in the spotlight and receive the recognition it deserves.

“Caloundra Music Festival was recently named Festival of the Year at the Qld Music Awards, and now this tourism accolade reflects on all the things that make our town shine for visitors and locals alike.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Brett Fraser congratulated Caloundra and all the finalists in this year’s Awards adding “The Top Tourism Town Awards shine a light on Queensland’s regional gems and reward communities united in delivering memorable holiday experiences.

“While attractions may drive guests to a destination, it is the warm welcome and meaningful customer service that has visitors leaving with a sense of wonderment. Congratulations to the winning communities for their remarkable efforts.

In addition, Sunshine Coast tour operator and owner of Joel’s Journeys, Joel McPherson, took out the inaugural award for Queensland Top Tourism Guide.

Operating out of Noosa and providing expert tours for small groups across the Sunshine Coast, McPherson’s passion for storytelling, inspiring guests with a sense of wonderment and a deep appreciation for the Sunshine Coast, and commitment to tourism saw him presented with the inaugural Queensland Top Tour Guide Award.

State winners from the Top Tourism Town Awards will go on to represent Queensland at the national awards held later in the year, where they have the chance to be crowned the best in Australia.

Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000) finalists and winner:

• Caloundra - WINNER

• Bowen

• Bundaberg

• Redcliffe

• Rockhampton

• Tamborine Mountain

• Townsville

Queensland Top Tour Guide

• Joel McPherson from Joel’s Journeys – WINNER

• Betty Burrows from Sarina Sugar Shed

• Russel Hosp from Passions of Paradise

Images from top: Caloundra celebrates being named Queensland's Top Tourism Town (from left) Sunshine Coast Councillor Terry Landsberg with Caloundra Chamber of Commerce's Brady Sullivan and Laura Pettigrew; Caloundra; Joel McPherson of Joel's Journeys