Queensland Tourism Awards recognise outstanding operators

The recently held 38th Queensland Tourism Awards - held at the Cairns Convention Centre as part of Tourism Week celebrations, which included the industry conferences Destination IQ and DestinationQ – have recognised outstanding tourism operators from across the state.

A record number of entries vied for the state’s top tourism awards this year with 184 final submissions – an increase of 25% on last year.

The Queensland Tourism Awards have been operating for 38 years with 31 categories ranging from attractions, events, tour and transport, accommodation, restaurants to culture and marketing.

In recognition of 2023 as the Year of Accessible Tourism, the Queensland Government supported a new category, Excellence in Accessible Tourism.

The inaugural award was taken home by BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, one of Queensland’s leading accessible resorts and a winner with visitors of all abilities.

Winning gold for a remarkable third year in a row, the prestigious ‘Major Tourist Attractions’ award went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. A champion of Australian wildlife and Queensland tourism, the Sanctuary has evolved and grown over 75 years to become a national icon and driver of visitation on the Gold Coast.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was one of four new businesses entered into the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Hall of Fame which also included Fun Over 50 Holidays - Immersive Tours and Adventures,  Paronella Park and Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience.

All gold winners, except for the Queensland only based awards, are automatically entered in the Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Darwin in March 2024.

QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk shared “Queensland has some of the world’s greatest and most recognisable tourist attractions.

“This week is about celebrating the sector and recognising top operators across the board.

“Our government will always back jobs with the tourism industry supporting thousands of jobs from the Cape to Coolangatta each year.

“A big congratulations to all 184 entrants, finalists, winners and Hall of Famers – you all make Queensland the best place to holiday.” 

Other Queensland Tourism Award Winners include:

• The Marie Watson-Blake Award for OCBI awarded posthumously to Michael Hackett.

• Excellence in Accessible Tourism awarded to Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

• People’s Choice Award Accommodation awarded to Esk Caravan Park and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel.

• People’s Choice Award Experiences and Services awarded for the third time in a row Paronella Park.

• Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group awarded to Visit Moreton Bay Volunteer Program