Outback tourism operators have celebrated a great year of tourism at the Queensland Tourism Awards on Friday receiving nine accolades including Gold for the Major Tourist Attractions category for Australian Age of Dinosaurs.
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The region also walked away with the prestigious Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Award which recognised David Elliot and his work with Australian Age of Dinosaurs.
Cobbold Gorge maintained its winning streak and Hall of Fame induction in 2018, receiving Gold in the Hosted Accommodation category for the fourth year in a row.
And Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre took gold in the Visitor Information Services category.
The awards come after a bumper year reporting a record breaking 1.1 1 million tourists to the region in 2018.
More than 900 guests gathered at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at Novotel Twin Waters Resort to celebrate the achievements of Queensland's best tourism operators.
A total of 83 Awards, including 26 Gold, 25 Silver, 24 Bronze, four highly commended and two individual Awards were presented across 28 categories, as well as two RACQ People's Choice Awards.
QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the 35th annual Queensland Tourism Awards had brought together an outstanding selection of operators that truly reflected the diverse range of the State's quality tourism offerings.
"This year's entrants, across the 28 business, event and individual categories, demonstrate the extraordinary dedication and innovation of tourism operators across the State - all of whom are helping the Queensland tourism industry to thrive," Mr Gschwind said.
"The Queensland tourism industry supports more than 237,000 jobs across all regions of Queensland."
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Queensland Tourism Awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the effort that goes into making the Sunshine State a favourite with domestic and international tourists.
"Congratulations to all Outback winners and entrants, their contribution not only supports their local economy, but contributes to the backbone of Queensland's $27.2 billion tourism industry," Ms Jones said.
Queensland's Gold Award winners will gain automatic entry into the Australian Tourism Awards in Canberra on March 6, 2020.
Outback winners include:
David Elliot Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Gold - Australian Age of Dinosaurs Major Tourist Attractions
Gold - Cobbold Gorge Tourist Attractions
Gold - Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre Visitor Information Services
Gold - Cobbold Village Hosted Accommodation
Gold - Longreach Saltbush Retreat Self-Contained Accommodation
Silver - Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Festivals and Events
Bronze - Birdsville Big Red Bash Festivals and Events
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
