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It’s tourism gold for Queensland

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

It's tourism gold for Queensland

  • 16 Queensland tourism experiences scoop the pool at the Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney
  • Queensland takes home the most awards and more gold than any other Australian state
  • The 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards recognise the nation’s best visitor experiences.

Queensland has been confirmed as the nation’s leading visitor destination at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

The Australian Tourism Awards featured 25 categories with Queensland winning seven prestigious gold awards, the most of any Australian state.

Queensland tourism businesses also won three silver and six bronze awards.

The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards celebrate innovation and exceptional standards in visitor experiences.

Queensland’s national award winners are:

Gold – Wildcat Mackay, New Tourism Business

Gold – Fun Over 50 Holidays, Tour & Transport Operators

Gold – BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Caravan & Holiday Parks

Gold – Bli Bli House, Hosted Accommodation

Gold – Cape York Peninsula Lodge, 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation

Gold – Outback Queensland Masters, Festivals & Events

Gold – Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience, Tourist Attractions

Silver – Spirits of the Red Sand, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism Experience

Silver – Ocean Rafting, Adventure Tourism

Silver – Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery, Visitor Information Services

Bronze – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Major Tourist Attractions

Bronze – Sea World Cruises, Major Tour & Transport Operators

Bronze – Mitchell Grass Retreat, Unique Accommodation

Bronze – Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Ecotourism

Bronze – Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism Marketing & Campaigns

Bronze – Magnums Unique Accommodation Airlie Beach, 3-3.5 Star Accommodation

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:

“Queensland has literally scooped the pool at the Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney tonight.

This is Queensland’s best result at the national tourism awards since 2018 and again confirms Queensland as Australia’s leading visitor destination.

Congratulations to all Queensland Awards winners and finalists on an absolutely magnificent result.

I want to thank Queensland tourism operators and their communities for their hard work and commitment to building back better and delivering truly outstanding Queensland visitor experiences.

The resilience, commitment to success and creativity of Queensland tourism businesses really is second to none.

It’s terrific to see tourism and event operators the Palaszczuk Government has supported through funding initiatives receiving the national recognition for excellence we know they deserve.

The Queensland tourism industry’s incredible awards success sets the benchmark for other states to follow on our runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said:

“Queensland’s tourism skyline is full of stars.

To be taking home the lion’s share of awards at a national level is an outstanding achievement and shows just how dedicated our tourism businesses are right across the state to offer the very best to visitors from around the globe.

With the country’s best attractions, tours, events and places to stay, a Queensland holiday should be top of every Aussie’s must-do list.

On behalf of our industry, I offer sincere congratulations to all of the Queensland finalists and award winners tonight. Your passionate and incredible work do our industry proud.”

QTIC CEO Brett Fraser said:

“After a stellar year in which Queensland was Australia’s number one domestic visitor destination, it’s phenomenal to see so many of our operators recognised on the national stage.

We’ve always known Queensland is home to some of the best events, accommodation providers and experiences in Australia, and now it’s official. For Queensland to be awarded gold, silver, or bronze in 16 of the 25 categories is exceptional.

I invite all Queenslanders to spend their next weekend getaway or holiday exploring their own backyard and discovering these award-winning tourism experiences.

While all the winners and finalists can be congratulated, we’re especially proud of Queensland’s remarkable success at this years’ national awards.”

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