Top tourism awards up for grabs

QUEENSLAND food and wine operators have two weeks left to nominate for the prestigious 2018 Queensland Tourism Awards.

Nominations close in two weeks for the annual event hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.

“More and more, people are travelling to Queensland’s food and wine region, recognising that the quality on offer is comparable to the more legacy foodie destinations in Australia,” QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said.

“This year we’ve had nominations from all over the state already, including the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest festival which showcases some of the best produce from around Stanthorpe - a renowned foodie region.”

Stanthorpe Festival Association president Greg Thouard said the love of good quality Queensland food stretched from big cities to the state’s outback.

“Showcasing the region’s highly sought-after food and wine offerings, our Stanthorpe Apple and Grape festival has become an iconic Queensland festival that visitors flock to,” Mr Thouard said.

“We have seen Queensland’s wine industry not only come of age but mature and become a leading Geographic Index region for mainstream and emerging European style wines in Australia.

“Producing a number of popular European wine varieties, the Granite Belt region has moved beyond the early stages and is now standing on high profile stages in Australia and overseas.”

Nominations for the awards close at 5pm on Thursday, May 31.

Visit queenslandtourismawards.com.au/support-for-entrants for more information.