By JOLENE OGLE
NOOSA shone at the Queensland Tourism Awards last week as four local operators were awarded for their excellence in the tourism industry.
Now in its 30th year, the Queensland Tourism Awards (QTA) are hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry and pays tribute to the dedicated operators who have shaped and transformed the industry.
Among the top awards was Tourism Noosa which won silver in the tourism education and training category for their innovative online service training program, Welcome to Noosa.
Tourism Noosa CEO Damien Massingham said the award was a “huge accolade” with more than 1200 operators vying for top honours.
“This award is also a great acknowledgement of how the tourism industry has embraced the program with its focus on improving customer service in our destination,” he said.
“We are extremely proud that our industry-based tourism program has again been recognised as a true leader in the Queensland tourism industry.”
Noosa Boathouse restaurant won gold in the tourism restaurants and catering services category, making this the second year in a row the venue has taken out the top award.
Noosa Boathouse owners Steve and Danielle McPharlin together with Phil Bradford said they were thrilled with the award and said their success was down to a strong vision and a dedicated team.
“We raise the bar every year and the Qld Tourism Awards program and submission process certainly plays a pivotal role in our continued growth and success,” Ms McPharlin said.
RACV Noosa Resort also won gold in their category, deluxe accommodation.
RACV Noosa resort manager Darren McClenaghan said the award recognised the excellent facilities and holiday experiences on offer at RACV, as well as the Noosa team’s focus on providing exceptional service.
This is the second year in a row RACV Noosa Resort has won gold in the deluxe accommodation category and, along with Noosa Boathouse, are now in the running to enter the Hall of Fame if they win the award again next year.
Belmondos Organic Market also won gold at the awards for the excellence in food tourism category, recognising the food company’s dedication to creating a unique shopping experience and proving organic, top-quality products and produce.
