Rubyvale Gem gallery joins the Tourism Hall of Fame
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 19 2009
2009 >>

Rubyvale Gem Gallery has joined the lauded ranks of tourism’s Hall of Fame after winning a third back-to-back award at this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor announced tonight at a gala ceremony on the Gold Coast.

The Capricorn-based attraction took out the award for the state’s best Specialised Tourism Service for the third year running, automatically placing it into the tourism Hall of Fame.

“Rubyvale Gem Gallery owners Peter and Eileen Brown have built a fantastic tourism product which has become a major attraction for the Capricorn region,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The Browns are a shining example of what passion, dedication and commitment to developing a high-standard tourism product can achieve and I congratulate them not just for winning their category, but for their induction into Queensland’s Tourism Hall of Fame.”

Mr Lawlor said Capricorn Caves was also another winner for the region taking out the Steve Irwin Ecotourism Award and was also a finalist in the Tourist Attractions category.

“In another win for the attraction, Capricorn Caves’ General Manager, 24 year-old Amanda Jennings was named Tourism’s Young Achiever of the year,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Since starting work at Capricorn Caves at the age of 15 as a kitchen hand and rising to the position of General Manager, Amanda has made vital contributions to the operation and to Central Queensland tourism in general.

“Amanda is a fantastic role model for anyone considering tourism as a career and is a testament to the opportunities that are available for someone with passion and commitment to the industry.”

“Gladstone’s Gecko Valley and BIG4 Barney Beach were also named finalists in the Tourism Wineries and Tourist and Caravan Parks categories respectively.”

Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said it was fantastic to see so many Capricorn operators excelling at this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards.

“Regional attractions bring visitors to a destination, inject money into the local economy and create jobs for the locals,” Mr Schwarten said.

Mr Lawlor congratulated Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) for organising and hosting the 2009 Queensland Tourism Awards.

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

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 list of all winners and finalists is attached and can also be found online at www.queenslandtourismawards.com.au

Last changed: Nov 19 2009 at 9:45 AM