Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development
The Honourable Margaret Keech
09/08/2006
QUEENSLAND TOURISM OPERATORS IN RACE FOR TOP AWARDS

A Brisbane bayside seafood festival, an island eco retreat in tropical north Queensland and an Outback Aussie icon are among a host of tourism operators competing for top honours at the prestigious 22nd annual Queensland Tourism Awards on November 17.

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said that the awards, organised by Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, recognised the outstanding contribution made by tourism operators throughout the state with almost 200 entries received to date.

"These awards applaud and celebrate the most innovative, the most distinctive and the most successful of our tourism leaders, their services and products in 28 key categories.

"Over the years, the quality of applications and entries has continued to improve and 2006 promises to be another exciting year."

Mrs Keech said there had been 37 nominations from Brisbane including many former winners and finalists as well as newcomers to the industry.

"A further 33 nominations have been received from Tropical North Queensland, 23 from the Whitsundays, 22 from the Gold Coast and 17 from the Outback.

"Other regions are also well-represented with 15 entries each from Townsville and the Sunshine Coast, 10 from the Fraser Coast, nine from Capricorn, five from Gladstone, four from Bundaberg, three from Toowoomba and one from Mackay.

"I would like to congratulate all the entrants on becoming involved, wherever they come from in Queensland, and wish each of them the best of luck on the big night."

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind said the 13-member judging panel was currently visiting properties around the state.

"We have been delighted with the response to date and encourage anyone thinking about entering to do so quickly," Mr Gschwind said.

"According to feedback from many operators, one of the reasons they enter the Awards is that the application itself helps them develop an effective annual business plan.

"Finalists and winners are also able to incorporate their success into future marketing plans, increasing trade and occupancy rates as consumers are rightly impressed by such awards and recognition."

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the awards night. Please contact Alison Horsburgh for further details on Alison.Horsburgh@tq.com.au.

Media Inquiries: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Louise Yates 3535 5349 / 0403 713 176 (Tourism Queensland)

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