A highly successful night for local tourism operators in the Queensland Tourism Awards was made even better by the fact that winners will now go on to compete for the ultimate prize in the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held on home soil at Sunshine Coast Convention Centre on 18 March 2022.
The two Queensland Tourism Awards’ gold medal winners progressing to the national titles were: Pelican Boat Hire, Noosaville for Tourism Retail and Hire Services, and Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville for Hosted Accommodation.
Other local gold medal winners on the night included Mary Valley Rattler and RACV Noosa Resort.
Mary Valley Rattler general manager Micheal Green said after 18 months of incredibly challenging conditions for the Rattler and the wider Gympie tourism community, the two awards were a fantastic endorsement of the team’s total commitment to delivering an exceptional experience.
’It was with great pride and excitement that I was privileged to witness the recognition of the Mary Valley Rattler Volunteers at the Queensland Tourism Awards,” Mr Green said.
“It was even more rewarding that their contribution was acknowledged in front of a packed room of state parliamentarians, leading tourism officials, and tourism businesses from across the state.
“The Rattler has received many awards in its short life span but this particular award really captures the essence of what we do. Our volunteers are the steam that drives the pistons of this attraction.
“The Gympie region should be proud of the many successes this tourist attraction has achieved since the re-commencement of operations in 2018.
“The volunteers can also take credit for Mary Valley Rattler being recognised with a Silver award in Queensland’s best Tourist Attractions category.
“I am very proud of the dedication and achievements that the Rattler team has accomplished in such a short timeframe.”
Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive officer Matt Stoeckel said the range of winners in the Queensland Tourism Awards reflected the strength and diversity of the Sunshine Coast’s tourism sector.
“The Queensland Tourism Awards were a real triumph for Sunshine Coast tourism, not just for the winners, but for the whole industry, and now the Sunshine Coast will be in the national tourism spotlight when we host the Australian Tourism Awards next March,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“We were meant to host the gala event in 2021, but the pandemic forced a postponement. The 2022 Australian Tourism Awards event will have added importance because it will take place as Australia’s tourism sector is in full recovery mode and will give the Sunshine Coast an opportunity to showcase our prowess at hosting major events.“
