BUSINESSES dazzled attendees at Saturday’s Whitsundays Tourism Awards, celebrating exceptional talent in the tourism industry.
More than 360 guests attended the lavish event, held at Daydream Island Resort and sponsored by Bishopp Advertising.
This year’s awards featured a vibrant networking party atmosphere, with live entertainment, delicious food, and dancing late into the night, highlighting the industry’s outstanding contributions.
The celebration applauded both individual and collective achievements, recognising new businesses alongside familiar names that continue to shine.
Tourism Whitsundays interim CEO Aimee Cameron said it was a fitting tribute to the region’s resilience and innovation.
“We’ve really been looking forward to the night and celebrating the successes of our incredible Whitsundays tourism industry,” she said.
“This year, we are particularly proud to welcome eleven entrants into the Hall of Fame, a testament to the hard work and dedication within our sector.
“None of this would be possible though, without the support of our incredible and generous sponsors. I’d like to personally thank Bishopp Advertising and our platinum sponsors Airlie Beach Hotel, Daydream Island and Cruise Whitsundays.”
Chair of the Board at Tourism Whitsundays Julie Telford said she wanted to congratulate everyone in the industry for their achievements.
“The success of these awards showcases the hard work and dedication of the tourism sector in the Whitsundays,” she said.
“Tonight is a celebration of their passion for the tourism industry, and it’s also a wonderful recognition of their staff. It’s inspiring to see how many new operators and members have nominated this year.
“Equally, the incredible team at TW plays a crucial role in this success. Despite being small, they consistently go above and beyond for every member, making a significant impact on our community and the tourism sector as a whole. I am genuinely excited to witness their continued success and growth in the coming twelve months.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said tourism was the heartbeat of the Whitsundays thanks to the resilience of stakeholders and their ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver unforgettable experiences time and again.
“In Council’s budget for 2024-25, we increased our funding to Tourism Whitsundays from $720,000 to $1 million to ensure we continue driving visitation, creating jobs, and building a resilient, thriving economy,” he said.
“I want to congratulate every individual, business, and team at the awards. The record visitation numbers we’ve seen, and the increase in visitor expenditure, are proof of your incredible efforts. The Whitsundays continues to shine as a world-class destination, and it’s because of your hard work and passion.”
Tourism Whitsundays would like to congratulate all the entrants and recognise the following winners of this year’s award categories.
Tourism Awards
| Tourist Attractions | Cruise Whitsundays |
| Festivals & Events | Great Barrier Reef Festival |
| Ecotourism | Whitsunday Segway Tours |
| Tourism Retail, Hire & Services | Whitsunday Coast Airport |
| Visitor Information Services | Bowen Tourism and Business |
| Major Tour & Transport Operators | Ocean Rafting |
| Tour & Transport Operators | Iconic Whitsunday Adventures |
| Adventure Tourism | Red Cat Adventures |
| Caravan & Holiday Parks | BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort |
| Unique Accommodation | Cruise Whitsundays |
| Self Contained Accommodation | Pinnacles |
| 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation | Mirage Whitsundays |
| 5 Star Luxury Accommodation | InterContinental Hayman Island Resort |
| New Tourism Business | Eastwoods Dining |
| Excellence in Food Tourism | Party Cakes Whitsunday |
| Excellence in Accessible Tourism | BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort |
| Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group | Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Ambassadors |
| Bob Porter Award for Outstanding Service | Paul Darrouzet |
| Best of Queensland Experience | Sealink Whitsundays |
| Best of Queensland Accommodation | Peninsula Airlie Beach |
Business Awards
| Award For Excellence In Customer Service By An Individual Or Business | Bowen Tourism and Business |
| Award For Most Outstanding Whitsundays Booking Service | Airlie Beach Tourism |
| Award For Most Outstanding Whitsundays Hospitality Venue | Eastwoods Dining |
| Award For Most Outstanding Whitsundays Retailer | Airlie Beach Clothing |
| Award For Most Outstanding Whitsundays Service Business | Shiift Pty Ltd |
| Bowen Business of the Year | Bird Fish Bar |
| Collinsville Business of the Year | Pit Pony Tavern |
| Proserpine Business of the Year | Little Vintage Café |
| Whitsundays Business of the Year | Coral Sea Marina Resort |
Peoples Choice Awards
| People’s Choice Award Experience | Ocean Rafting |
| People’s Choice Award Accommodation | BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort |
Hall of fame:
| Cruise Whitsundays |
| Great Barrier Reef Festival |
| Whitsunday Coast Airport |
| Bowen Tourism and Business |
| Ocean Rafting |
| BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort |
| Pinnacles |
| Mirage Whitsundays |
| InterContinental Hayman Island Resort |
| Shiift Pty Ltd |
| BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort |
The Whitsundays Tourism Awards were supported by generous sponsors: Bishopp Advertising, Airlie Beach Hotel, Daydream Island, Cruise Whitsundays, Hamilton Island, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, Whitsunday Transit, Bendigo Bank, Hero, Tafe Queensland, KB Designs, Graphic House, RJean Photography, Whitsunday Audio Visual, Airlie Events, ARN Media with 4MK and Star Mackay and The Whitsundays, Fraser Ford, Queensland Rail, Paddy’s Shenanigans, Shivoo Event Hire.
