Qld goes gold in national tourism event

COUNTRY Queensland led a Sunshine State gold rush at the Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin.

Queenslanders took out gold in four categories, while events supremo Harvey Lister was crowned an Australian tourism legend.

The Mount Isa Rodeo was named best regional festival or event, beating iconic Aussie events such as the Uluru Camel Cup, Falls Festival and the Parkes Elvis Festival.

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers took out the major festival and events category, beating some of the biggest spectacles in the country including the Byron Bay Bluesfest and the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Ocean Rafting ( best major tour and transport operator) and Fun Over 50 ( best regional tour and transport operator) also took out gold medals for Queensland.

Mr Lister was recognised for a lifetime of achievements in the entertainment and events industries.

AEG Ogden manages Suncorp Stadium, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Cairns Convention Centre and has been linked to a new $ 2 billion entertainment super centre in the Brisbane CBD.