Tropical North reels in big bag of awards
FOURTEEN Tropical North Queensland tourism operators have been recognised for service excellence at this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards with tourism industry veteran Wendy Morris singled out for the Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.
In total, the region took home 16 accolades, including four gold, from the gala event in Brisbane last night.
Paronella Park, Daintree Discovery Centre and Cobbold Gorge won two awards each.
Paronella Park was the inaugural winner of the RACQ People’s Choice Award, the first time in the award’s 33year history Queenslanders could vote for their favourite tourism experience.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Pip Close said she was delighted many of Tropical North Queensland’s tourism operators had been ranked among the best in the state.
“My first three months as CEO have been spent exploring Tropical North Queensland, experiencing its products and meeting the passionate people behind them,” she said.
“I am especially excited that Wendy Morris has been acknowledged for her extraordinary commitment to promoting Tropical North Queensland and for her tourism industry work at a state and national level.
“Wendy is very well respected by the industry which she has worked in since 1986. TTNQ is very fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced leader as the chairwoman of our board.”
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park representatives including Ernest Brimm attended last night’s event to accept the gold Qantas Award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism in the native Djabugay language.
“I am Djabugay, you have come from far away to see us. Listen to the Djabugay language, listen to the story waters,” Mr Brimm said.