2022 North Queensland Tourism and Events Award Winners

The 2022 North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards acknowledge the incredible work of the tourism and events industry and the important role this sector plays in our local economy.

Townsville Enterprise Director Visitor Economy and Marketing, Lisa Woolfe said the tourism industry is an important part of the region’s fabric.

“The North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of our tourism and events operators and acknowledges the exceptional experiences they provide visitors and locals,” Mrs Woolfe said.

“We received more than 17,000 votes over the four-week voting period across the Award’s six People’s Choice Categories – a record number for this event and a great sign of support for our industry.”

“For the second consecutive year, The Ville Resort-Casino and Texas Longhorn Tours received the award for Accommodation and Tours and Attractions, a testament to the experience they offer our visitors and locals. The Ville also received the most votes from visitors and locals during our voting period.”

“It was great to see the North Queensland Cowboys (Cowboys v Broncos) receive the Best Major Event and the North Australian Festival of Arts as the runner up. A perfect example of the diversity of our region’s events calendar and the important role the Cowboys play in visitation to the city.”

Magnetic Island came out on top for the highest-scoring reviews in the tours category.

“Jetski Hire Magnetic Island, Pilgrim Sailing and Magnetic Island’s Best Bus Tour are all family-run tourism operators and it was wonderful to recognise them. Magnetic Island continually punches above its weight when it comes to the exceptional destination experiences and it’s clear our locals and visitors agree,” Mrs Woolfe said.

“We were also thrilled to announce Izzy Bee from Netflix’s Izzy’s Koala World, Magnetic Island local and our latest tourism campaign Ambassador as the recipient of the Young Achiever Award.”

“Izzy, at only 15, is the youngest recipient ever to receive the Young Achiever Award at the North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards. She is recognised and loved across Australia and around the world and we are proud of the work she has done for the rehabilitation and rescue of koalas on Magnetic Island.”

For the first time, 100% score Best of Queensland operators were acknowledged at the North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards.

“The Best of Queensland Program was implemented by Tourism and Events Queensland to encourage tourism operators to reach certain benchmarks for visitor experience, reviews and online presence. There are 80 tourism operators within our region with Best of Queensland status and we are thrilled to acknowledge Aquascene, The Ville, Big Mama Sailing, Billabong Sanctuary and Orpheus Island Lodge on achieving 100% Best of Queensland scores,” said Mrs Woolfe.

The Richard Power Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual was won by Laurie Murphy. The award recognises extraordinary personal and professional achievement and contribution to the local tourism and events industry.

Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith congratulates Laurie Murphy for receiving this highly regarded award.

“Laurie has dedicated her career to tourism research and the development of this important industry sector,” Mrs Brumme-Smith said.

“For more than three decades, Laurie has taught an excess of 1,000 students in the tourism and events field. Many of these students are now leaders in the tourism and events industry in Australia and abroad.”

“Laurie’s engagement with the tourism and events industry extends beyond her teaching and research activities. She is on several local committees and has worked with industry to secure grants and funding for various projects which have directly benefitted our Townsville North Queensland tourism industry.”

The gala event was held at The Ville Resort-Casino and was attended by 180 local tourism industry and business representatives. The 2022 North Queensland Tourism Awards was sponsored by Simon George and Sons, The Ville Resort-Casino, Southern Cross Austereo and Designer Life.

Winners

Accommodation
Winner: The Ville Resort-Casino
Runner Up: Kernow Charters Towers

Dining
Winner: Cowboys Leagues Club
Runner Up: A Touch Of Salt

Tours and Attraction
Winner: Texas Longhorns Tours
Runner Up: Pilgrim Sailing

Transport
Winner: SeaLink North Queensland
Runner Up: Magnetic Island Ferries

Best Major Event
Winner: North Queensland Toyota Cowboys (Cowboys v Broncos)
Runner Up: North Australia Festival of Arts

Best Destination Event
Winner: North Queensland Toyota Cowboys – Laurie Spina Shield
Runner Up: SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

 Most Voted
The Ville Resort-Casino

 100% Best of Queensland Score

• Aquascene Magnetic Island
• Orpheus Island Lodge
• Big Mama Sailing
• Billabong Sanctuary
• The Ville Resort-Casino

Highest Review Score – Tours
Winner: Jetski Hire Magnetic Island
Runner Up: Pilgrim Sailing
Third: Magnetic Islands Best Bus Tour

Highest Review Score – Accommodation
Winner: Orpheus Island Lodge
Runner Up: Kernow Charters Towers
Third: Townsville Tourist and Lifestyle Village

Young Achiever Award
Winner: Izzy Bee

Richard Power Award for Outstanding Contribution
Winner: Laurie Murphy