The best of Tropical North Queensland’s tourism industry were congratulated for the efforts in boosting local tourism at the 16th Tropic North Queensland Tourism Awards.
For the first time this year, an award went to the entire Cairns community for hosting the 2014 Australian Tourism Exchange. It was the first time the annual conference was held in a regional destination.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning accepted the award on the community’s behalf at the ceremony held last week at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.
Presenting the award, Tourism Tropical North Queensland chairman Stephen Gregg declared ATE14 the best ever, largely due to the support from the local community.
“I thank you for leaving such a positive lasting impression on the key influencers of our industry.”
Stephen Gregg, Tourism Tropical North Queensland chairman
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch helps TTNQ CEO Alex de Waal make a grand entrance.
Another stand-out moment from the evening was Alex de Waal, Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s chief executive’s grand entrance.
He rode in on the back of a Harley-Davidson with Member for Leichardt Warren Entsch.
According to Mr de Waal, local tourism has been no ‘easy ride’ because North Queensland is continuously battling other destinations for every guests and dollar.
“However, we are seeing some very strong indicators for a more positive future.”
Alex de Waal, Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning (left) accepts the Chairman’s Award for Excellence on behalf of the Cairns community from TTNQ CEO Alex de Waal. The award was given for hosting the Australian Tourism Exchange.
The full list of winners:
Hall of Fame Bloomfield Lodge
Chairman’s Award for Excellence The Cairns community and tourism industry, Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland for the Australian Tourism Exchange 2014.
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Todd Parker who has served on many industry groups including the TTNQ Board and whose company Parker Travel Collection has won many marketing awards.
Life Member Peter Goulding, a former TTNQ chairman and founder of Acacia Luxury Transport.
Major Tourist Attraction Cairns Tropical Zoo
Tourist Attractions Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours
Major Festivals and Events Cairns Amateurs Carnival
Festivals and Events Cairns Cup
Ecotourism Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Heritage and Cultural Tourism Historic Village Herberton
Indigenous Tourism Mossman Gorge Centre
Specialised Tourism Services Big Gateway Maps, Gateway TV, Gateway eMarketing
Visitor Information and Services Kuranda Visitor Information Centre
Major Tour and/or Transport Operator Exemplar Coaches and Limousines
Tour and/or Transport Operator Ocean Safari
Grant Broadcasters Adventure Tourism Award Jungle Surfing Canopy tours
Destination Marketing Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree
Tourism Education and Training TAFE North Tourism Studies
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services Bazaar Interactive Marketplace Restaurant
Tourism and Caravan Parks Big 4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park
Backpacker Accommodation Cairns Central YHA
Hosted Accommodation Mt Quincan Crater Retreat
Standard Accommodation Villa Marine Holiday apartments
Deluxe Accommodation Fitzroy Island Resort
Luxury Accommodation Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
New Tourism Development Sailaway V
Sustainable Tourism Passions of Paradise
Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group Mareeba Heritage Centre
Young Achiever’s Award Adam O’Malley, Passions of Paradise Sales and Marketing Manager
Local Government Award for Tourism Cairns Regional Council
