The 2019 Queensland Tourism award major tourist attraction winners, Australian Age of Dinosaurs, are back in the running in 2021.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Meanwhile, after finishing in second place for Festivals and Events in 2019, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is back chasing the gold as part of the 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards.
The two are among about 15 contenders from the north west for the awards, which will be presented at the Brisbane Convention Centre on November 12.
More than 1,100 guests will gather to see who will be crowned the state's best tourism operators across 31 award categories.
Read more:
With a total of 81 Awards, including 32 Gold, 26 Silver and 23 Bronze Awards up for grabs, the celebratory evening reminds Queenslanders that the Sunshine State is ready to shine again as a top tourist destination.
Other contenders from the outback include Longreach and Balonne Shire's Visitor Information Centres, the Ibis Styles in Mount Isa along with the City Council a
Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive, Daniel Gschwind says, "all of the Award nominees this year demonstrate the quality and professionalism of operators in our state who deliver exceptional attractions and visitor experiences".
This year, the Queensland Tourism Awards will not only recognise the best businesses in tourism, but will also acknowledge that many operators have done it tough, showing exceptional resilience to survive.
In 2021, a new Award category, the Judges Award for Innovation and Resilience has been introduced to recognise the perseverance of tourism operators. Awarding gold to one outstanding business showing grit and adaptability when visitor numbers dropped.
Mr Gschwind says, "while our borders may have closed to international and many interstate visitors, 2021 was a year in which Queenslanders were able to travel closer to home. Many of us experienced a renewed appreciation for the incredible sights and activities right on our doorstep.
"When borders reopen, Queensland's resilient tourism operators will not only capture the attention of travellers from interstate and from around the world, but they will also continue impressing Queenslanders holidaying at home.
"For more than three decades, the annual Awards have been tourism's night to celebrate and be rewarded for its determination and excellence".
Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) is presenting partner of the awards and the connection between the company that owns and operates Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports and the event stretches back 15 years.
QAL CEO Chris Mills said it was an honour to be involved in the awards again, following what had been one of the toughest periods the industry had ever experienced.
"This was a time many tourism businesses were largely focused on survival," he said.
"As our airports are the gateways to many of the state's popular tourism destinations, we know firsthand the difficulties many operators were dealing with.
"So, it is impressive to see such great business initiatives and efforts nominated for these awards.
"I sincerely congratulate nominees for their ongoing commitment to excellence - no matter what the business climate.
"We have seen some fantastic nominations right across the state and it is pleasing to see a 30 per cent increase in submissions from outback Queensland, which reflects the focus on exploring our own backyard while travel was restricted".
Each year, the winners from Award categories 1 to 25, gain automatic entry into the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held at Sunshine Coast Convention Centre on Friday 18 March.
Next year, the Queensland Tourism Awards will be held on Friday 18 November at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
Bookmark https://www.northweststar.com.au/
Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Google News
