Queensland wins “Big Five†at Australian Tourism Awards Sustainability Key Quality
Queensland tourism operators have taken out five of the most coveted categories at the Australian Tourism Awards, including Major Tourist Attraction and Major Tour Operator, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle announced.
A key component of all the winners was their commitment to sustainable tourism.
Australia Zoo won the award for Australia’s major tourist attraction, while Port Douglas-based the Quicksilver Group won both the major tour operator and tourism marketing categories.
Sunshine Coast-based ecotourism operators, The Discovery Group won for best tour operator and Cairns’ Skyrail Rainforest Cableway won the Qantas Sustainable Tourism Award.
"This is a fantastic result for Queensland’s tourism industry, and in particular for the Sunshine Coast and Tropical North Queensland," Ms Boyle said.
"Tourism directly employs 119,000 Queenslanders and contributes more than $8 billion to our economy each year.
"The current economic climate means 2008 was a tough year for many operators and 2009 is shaping up to be equally tough so it’s fantastic to see Queensland take out five of the 27 awards, particularly in what are some of the most hotly contended categories."
Ms Boyle said Australia Zoo was now a hallmark destination and she congratulated Terri Irwin and her team on their tremendous win.
The Discovery Group had also edged out a strong field from across the country to win the tour and transport operator category.
"With 30 years of expertise and a commitment to fostering environmental and cultural understanding, the group’s eco cruises and luxury 4WD adventure tours have enthralled thousands of visitors to the Sunshine Coast," she said.
A strong showing from Queensland’s tropical north saw reef tour heavyweights Quicksilver Group take out the major tour operator and tourism marketing categories.
"What a wonderful night for reef tour operators the Quicksilver Group, and I congratulate man aging director Tony Baker and his team for their continued commitment to quality service, product innovation and sustainable practices.
"They are real ambassadors not only for the Tropical North, but for the Queensland industry as a whole."
Ms Boyle said Skyrail also continued to set the pace for operator excellence, winning the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.
"Skyrail exemplifies how a tourism business can minimise ists environmental impact, respect local cultures and benefit local communities while delivering a world-class experience for visitors," Ms Boyle said.
"Skyrail is a shining example that other tourism operators from across Australia and around the world can look up to."
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