Rockhampton shone bright on a national stage when the region took home two gold awards in the 2021 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards on Friday evening.
The Australian Tourism Awards are the tourism industry’s peak Awards – recognising and promoting excellence in tourism.
Beef Australia and Empire Apartment Hotel both took home the gong in their respective categories at the prestigious event, after taking home the wins at the Queensland Tourism Awards back in November where Rare Spares Rockynats was announced a finalist.
Beef Australia was announced as Australia’s best ‘Major Festival and Event’, with Empire Apartment Hotel taking home the win in their ‘4-4.5 Star Accommodation’ category and silver for their conference centre in the ‘Business Event Venues’ category.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the awards show that Rockhampton region is one of the country’s top event and travel destinations.
“Having local Rockhampton businesses and events win Australian Tourism Awards is an amazing result and is a first for our region,” Mayor Williams said.
“Not only is Rockhampton well and truly on the radar as one of Queensland’s top tourism destinations, but now we’re amongst some of the country’s best.
“This recognition proves our region offers a multitude of reasons to visit – where else in Australia can you attend nationally recognised major events, stay in award winning accommodation and explore a region brimming with tourism experiences like fishing, mountain biking, the Rockhampton Museum of Art and playing with meerkats?
“Council would like to extend their congratulations to the teams behind Beef Australia 2021 and Empire Apartment Hotel and thank them for their incredible contribution to our region”.
Advance Rockhampton Executive Manager Greg Bowden said these awards will help to push Rockhampton’s economic profile, increasing visitation in the region.
“This national recognition has certainly put rocky on the radar not only as a great holiday destination but as a thriving region for economic growth and region of choice for major events,” Mr Bowden said.
“In 2020-21, tourism consumption across Australia was $83.4 billion, with Beef Australia 2021 responsible for generating $94 million.
“That’s $94 million being brought into our local economy, with visitors spending money on award winning accommodation like Empire Apartment Hotel, and filling up our cafes, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and tourism attractions.
“The prestigious award recognition for Beef Australia and Empire Apartment Hotel is timely as the Advance Rockhampton team recently launch the region’s 2022 major events campaign.
“Rockhampton is not only the events epicentre of Central Queensland, but now the country”.
