900 to attend 2009 Queensland Tourism Awards on the Gold Coast
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 10 2009
2009 >>

More than 900 guests will be on the Gold Coast this Friday at a gala awards ceremony announcing the winners of the 2009 Queensland Tourism Awards, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.

Mr Lawlor said 161 tourism operators from around the state would vie for top honours at the 2009 Queensland Tourism Awards, presented by Queensland Airports Ltd, at Conrad Jupiters this Friday November 13.

“Given the current economic climate, we expected numbers at the annual gala awards ceremony might be down this year so you can imagine how delighted we were when bookings were so strong that organisers had to extend capacity,” Mr Lawlor said.

“More than 900 guests will travel from throughout the state and around the country to attend the event – which is a fantastic show of confidence in our state’s tourism industry.

“Having such a large number travelling to the Gold Coast will also be a boon for the local tourism industry as many will likely stay for the weekend and become tourists themselves.”

Mr Lawlor said 161 tourism operators had submitted 216 entries in the awards this year, including many in more than one category and a number of first-time entrants.

“There will also be a number of entrants who will be up for their third consecutive award and if they win, they will be automatically inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame,” he said.

“Many of the operators who attend the awards run small or medium-sized businesses and travel hundreds of kilometres to attend tourism’s night of nights.

“After a busy year the awards are a great opportunity to get dressed up, catch up with friends and colleagues and have a fun night.”

Mr Lawlor said the Queensland Tourism Awards recognised and rewarded excellence, innovation and success in the tourism industry, while reinforcing the value of tourism to Queensland’s regions.

“From major tourist attractions to regional festivals, family-run B&Bs, caravan parks and luxury resorts and hotels, the awards celebrate Queensland’s incredible range of tourism experiences and encourage new product and even higher standards,” he said.

Mr Lawlor said Tropical North Queensland had the highest number of operators entered this year with 31, followed by Brisbane with 30, the Gold Coast and Whitsundays with 20 each, 15 each from the Sunshine Coast and Townsville, and nine from Queensland’s Outback.

“There is no doubt the state’s tourism industry has had a challenging year and the State Government and Tourism Queensland are committed to protecting the jobs of the 216,000 Queenslanders who rely on tourism,” he said.

“Encouraging and promoting success and innovation is crucial if Queensland is to continue to maintain its status as a global tourism leader.”

Mr Lawlor congratulated the entrants for taking the time to nominate and wished them luck.

He also thanked the awards’ platinum sponsor - Queensland Airports Limited - and awards organisers Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.
More information on the awards can be found at www.queenslandtourismawards.com.au

Last changed: Nov 10 2009 at 10:59 AM