Solid gold success for Sunshine Coast tourism operators at Queensland Tourism Awards
Sunshine Coast to host Australian Tourism Awards in March
A highly successful night for Sunshine Coast tourism operators in the Queensland Tourism Awards was made even better by the fact that winners will now go on to compete for the ultimate prize in the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held on ‘home soil’ at Sunshine Coast Convention Centre on 18 March 2022.
The two Queensland Tourism Awards’ gold medal winners progressing to the national titles were:
- (WINNER) GOLD Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville – Hosted Accommodation
- (WINNER) GOLD Pelican Boat Hire, Noosaville – Tourism Retail & Hire Services
Other medal winners on the night were:
- (WINNER) GOLD Mary Valley Rattler – Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer/Volunteer Group
- (WINNER) GOLD RACV Noosa Resort – RACQ People’s Choice Award – Accommodation
- (WINNER) GOLD Simon Thornalley, Saltwater Eco Tours – Young Achievers Award
- (WINNER) GOLD Bindi Irwin, Australia Zoo – Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
- SILVER Bli Bli House – Hosted Accommodation
- SILVER Ginger Factory – Excellence in Food Tourism
- SILVER Australia Zoo – Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer/Volunteer Group
- SILVER Mary Valley Rattler – Tourist Attraction
- SILVER Noosa RACV Resort – Self-Contained Accommodation
- BRONZE The Country House at Hunchy – Hosted Accommodation
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said that the range of winners in the Queensland Tourism Awards reflected the strength and diversity of the Sunshine Coast’s tourism sector.
“The Queensland Tourism Awards were a real triumph for Sunshine Coast tourism, not just for the winners, but for the whole industry, and now the Sunshine Coast will be in the national tourism spotlight when we host the Australian Tourism Awards next March,” said Mr Stoeckel.
“We were meant to host the gala event in 2021, but the pandemic forced a postponement. The 2022 Australian Tourism Awards event will have added importance because it will take place as Australia’s tourism sector is in full-recovery mode and will give the Sunshine Coast an opportunity to showcase our prowess at hosting major events.
“The events sector is a crucial component of the Sunshine Coast tourism economy, attracting over 360,000 visitors in 2019. We hope that hosting the Australian Tourism Awards will lead to a strong revival of the sector and highlight that the Sunshine Coast is a perfect destination for holding major events and conferences.
“Our successful pitch for the national awards was very much a ‘Team Sunshine Coast’ effort, and I’d like to acknowledge the wholehearted support from Sunshine Coast Council, the Queensland Government, Queensland Tourism Industry Council and Sunshine Coast Airport.
“We are looking forward to hosting a memorable ‘night of nights’ for tourism’s elite performers, with some 850 attendees expected to come to the Sunshine Coast for the event. It will provide a huge injection of confidence into the region.”
