THE WHITSUNDAYS proved its status as a premier tourism destination, sweeping up an impressive 16 accolades across gold, silver and bronze categories in the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) awards were held on Friday (November 15) at The Star Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane, and was a glittering affair.
There were 31 award categories including attractions, events, tour and transport operators, accommodation, restaurants, accessible tourism, culture and marketing
There were three first time entrants for the Whitsundays:
Eastwoods Dining – Bronze New Tourism Business, The Boathouse Apartments – Bronze 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation, and Camp Island Lodge – Silver for Self-Contained Accommodation.
Big4 Adventure Whitsundays snagged two of the four gold awards for Excellence in Accessible Tourism and gained a spot in the Hall of Fame with a gold for Caravan and Holiday Parks.
Magnums Backpackers owner Elizabeth Hackett won the Marie Watson-Blake Award.
The wins follow a bumper year in tourism for the Whitsunday region.
Domestic overnight expenditure was up 14.5 per cent, over the last three years, to $1.4bn, with this growth reflecting both an increase in the number of visitors, as well as these visitors spending more, on average.
Visitation also increased by 2.7 per cent over the three years to 787,000 and the average spend per night increased 18.9 per cent to $475.
QTIC chair Elsa D’Alessio said she was proud of the region and its significant contributions to the Queensland tourism industry throughout the last year.
“The Whitsundays absolutely smashed the Queensland Tourism Awards out of the ballpark this year, taking home 16 awards, which is a huge achievement and a testament to the brilliant experiences on offer in the region,” Ms D’Alessio said.
“The Whitsundays is world renowned for its pristine beaches, luxurious island resorts, tropical temperatures, extraordinary marine life and the Great Barrier Reef.
“It’s no surprise the region continues to attract hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers every year.
“Congratulations to the category winners from the Whitsundays who have played an immense role in driving visitors to our glorious state.”
The full list of Whitsundays winners:
• Gold- Caravan and Holiday Parks – BIG4Adventure Whitsunday Resort
• Gold- Excellence in Accessible Tourism – BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
• Gold- Major Tour and Transport Operators – Ocean Rafting
• Gold- Self Contained Accommodation – Pinnacles, Airlie Beach
• Silver- Tourism Retail, Hire and Services – Shute Harbour Marine Terminal
• Silver- Major Tour and Transport Operators – Red Cat Adventures
• Silver- Tour and Transport Operators – Iconic Whitsunday Adventures
• Silver- Unique Accommodation – Cruise Whitsundays
• Silver- Self Contained Accommodation – Camp Island Lodge
• Silver- Outstanding contribution by a Volunteer Group – Cruise Ship Ambassadors
• Bronze- Tourism Retail, Hire and Services – Whitsunday Coast Airport
• Bronze- Visitor Information Services – Bowen Visitor Information Centre
• Bronze- Adventure Tourism – Ocean Rafting
• Bronze- 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation – The Boathouse Apartments
• Bronze- 5 Star Luxury Accommodation – InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
• Bronze- New Tourism Business – Eastwoods Dining.
