Ron Chapman recognised for his outstanding contribution to tourism
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 19 2009
2009 >>

A long-time figure in Queensland’s caravanning industry has won the prestigious Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual at the 2009 Queensland Tourism Awards, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor announced.

Mr Lawlor congratulated Ron Chapman, who lives in the Brisbane suburb of Aspley, on winning the coveted gong for his more than four decades fostering and promoting caravan tourism.

The award was presented at a gala ceremony on the Gold Coast this evening.

“Mr Chapman’s career spans 43 years promoting camping and caravanning as an important tourism sector,” Mr Lawlor said.

“After starting out as a cadet journalist at The Courier-Mail, Mr Chapman entered the tourism industry, where he found his true niche.

“Over the years he has played a pivotal role in building the now-iconic Australian caravanning club culture and increasing the profile of Queensland caravan parks through his expertise in tourism marketing.”

Mr Lawlor said Mr Chapman currently wore two caps - as CEO of the Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland, and the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland - known jointly as Caravanning Queensland.

“These challenging and complex roles mean that Mr Chapman represents both the trade and tourism sides of the Queensland caravanning industry and has melded the two organisations in such a way that they recognise the common goal of promoting Queensland,” he said.

Mr Lawlor said the Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Award recognised individuals for their extraordinary personal and professional achievement and contribution to tourism over many years.

“Judges particularly take into account the activities and contribution of the nominee outside the expectations of their normal employment,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Mr Chapman is both an outstanding and longstanding advocate of tourism in Queensland and has greatly benefited the industry and many of its operators.”

Mr Lawlor said 161 tourism operators from around the state had entered the 2009 Queensland Tourism Awards.

“I congratulate Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) for organising and hosting the 2009 Queensland Tourism Awards in such spectacular fashion,” Mr Lawlor said.

“A thank you must also go to our awards’ platinum sponsor Queensland Airports Limited for its generous support.”

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 9:59 AM