Tourism and Events Queensland initiative helps operators strive for continuous improvement

The Tourism and Events Queensland initiative - Best of Queensland Experiences program – is helping tourism operators strive for continuous improvement with word-of-mouth and customer review websites influencing travel decisions more than ever.

Queensland’s tourism industry is building back better and enhancing the State’s lifestyle with more than 2,200 Queensland tourism products now named as Best of Queensland Experiences.

Holidaymakers can choose from 2,225 Best of Queensland Experiences, up by 70% since the program’s 2019 launch.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe notes “this program is a one-of-a-kind in Australia and shows the commitment of Queensland tourism operators to excellence and world-class holiday experiences.

“These are the holiday experiences that have built back better to meet changing customer expectations while enhancing the great Queensland lifestyle our visitors love.

“In this round, 233 tourism businesses have joined the Best of Queensland Experiences list, reflecting the commitment of Queensland tourism operators to providing the exceptional.

“We need to be globally competitive to rebuild inbound international tourism and a big part of that is making sure visitors are completely satisfied with their Queensland holiday experience.

“This year, TEQ has introduced the Stamp of Recognition to make it even easier for visitors to find quality tourism experiences.

“Globally respected destinations Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays have again dominated this year’s top 50 experiences across Queensland.”

Best of Queensland rated experiences include:

• Cumberland Charter Yachts, Elysian Island Retreat and Red Cat Adventures in the Whitsundays

• Wildlife Habitat, Sunlover Reef Cruises, and Daintree Safaris in Far North Queensland

• Whalesong Cruises at Hervey Bay

• Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Putt Putt on the Gold Coast

• Spirits of the Red Sand at Beenleigh

• The Point Coolum holiday accommodation Sunshine Coast

Queensland experiences have maintained an average of at least 88 out of 100 on the ReviewPro Global Review Index (GRI) customer experience score.

To make the Best of Queensland Experiences list, tourism operators need an Australian Tourism Data Warehouse listing and meet customer focused criteria:

• Availability of secure online booking platforms

• Consistent delivery of an exceptional experience based on positive customer reviews

• Best practice industry standards 

• Active and engaging social media presence

• Regional Tourism Organisation accreditation.

Image courtesy Whalesong Cruises at Hervey Bay