Best in tourism take top honours

A LOYAL airline and four Far North business leaders have been acclaimed for their services to tourism.

About 200 people attended the 2016 TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Celebration last night at Pacific Hotel.

One of the Far North’s longest-serving international airlines, Cathay Pacific, took out the prestigious Chairman’s Award for Excellence.

Cairns was Cathay Pacific’s first port of call for its maiden flight to Australia in 1946, before beginning twice-weekly commercial services to the Far North in 1993.

Since then the airline has expanded its service and now operates four direct flights to Cairns from Hong Kong each week, bringing visitors from Asia and Europe.

Skyrail director and national tourism identity Ken Chapman was given the prize for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

Mr Chapman has previously served as a director of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, the Australian Tourism Commission and TTNQ.

The Award for Innovation Excellence in TNQ went to Big 4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park, 80km southwest of Cairns.

The park has developed an innovative wash down and service bay, which has helped boost visitation to the region.

Finally, Mossman Gorge Centre general manager Ben Pratt claimed the Young Achiever Excellence Award.

A Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree board member, Mr Pratt has been described as a “keen and eloquent advocate for indigenous tourism”.

TTNQ chairman Max Shepherd said the destination had enjoyed a successful year.

“We congratulate these high achievers who have not only contributed to the businesses they represent, but brought enormous benefits to Tropical North Queensland,” he said.