Hinkler Hall of Aviation named finalist in Queensland Tourism Awards
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 19 2009
2009 >>

The Hinkler Hall of Aviation was named a finalist at this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor announced.

Mr Lawlor said the Bundaberg-based operator made the finals in the New Tourism Development category, announced at a sell-out gala ceremony on the Gold Coast this week.

“The Hinkler Hall of Aviation, which opened in December 2008, is a celebration of aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The Hinkler Hall of Aviation also features a range of aviation-related exhibits and is a fantastic new addition to Bundaberg’s tourism offerings.”

Mr Lawlor encouraged more tourism operators in the region to consider entering the awards next year.

“The Queensland Tourism Awards is all about rewarding excellence in quality and service delivery.

“Winners range from small family-owned and run operations to major hotel chains and attractions - an operator is never too big or too small to enter,” he said.

Mr Lawlor said also congratulated Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) for organising and hosting the 2009 Queensland Tourism Awards in such spectacular fashion.

“I would also like to extend a special thank you to awards’ platinum sponsor Queensland Airports Limited for its generous support,” he said.

QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the awards' 13-member judging panel was impressed by entrants' high degree of professionalism and business acumen.

"In these tough economic times, it becomes more imperative than ever for tourism businesses to employ sound planning and rigorous self-assessment," Mr Gschwind said.

"The awards remain one of the best tools to guide operators through this process, with business planning a key component of every entry.

"Competition was as strong as ever this year and the incredible turn-out at this year’s awards ceremony is a great indication of our industry’s passion for and confidence in tourism in Queensland.”

All Queensland Tourism Award winners will progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Hobart on 26 February, 2010.

A full list of winners and finalists is attached and will be online from early next week at www.queenslandtourismawards.com.au

Last changed: Nov 19 2009 at 9:48 AM