The winners of the prestigious 2024 North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards have been revealed at a gala ceremony at the Queensland Museum Tropics, celebrating the incredible achievements of the region's tourism operators, event organisers, and community leaders.
As the region continues its transformation, Townsville North Queensland has solidified its position as Australia’s fastest-growing domestic holiday destination, with tourism businesses delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith said the last 12 months have seen significant growth from the tourism industry, making the Awards an extra special way to recognise the region’s collective and individual successes.
“The North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contribution of our tourism and events operators and acknowledges the exceptional experiences they provide visitors and locals,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.
"This year we welcome two new Hall of Fame recipients with the awards going to the Ville Resort-Casino and SeaLink North Queensland who have won the Accommodation – Hotels, and Transport & Hire Services categories (respectively) for three-years running – which is outstanding achievement.”
“We’re also pleased to see a 33% increase in operators who have achieved top Best of Queensland scores, highlighting the quality and diversity of top-achieving experiences we have right here in Townsville North Queensland.”
The Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP) - delivered in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland - is an innovative program that guides the Queensland tourism industry to deliver exceptional transformational experiences. The program is based on an independent set of criteria that incorporates online customer reviews, responds to consumer expectations and reflects industry best practice.?
Townsville Airport General Manager Arron McLean said they were proud to partner with the North Queensland Tourism Awards as Gold Partner – awarding the two events categories on the night, celebrating the exceptional achievements and innovation of the region’s tourism industry.
“The success of Townsville’s tourism industry is testament to the passion and dedication of the operators across our region. These awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate their outstanding contributions, which continue to enhance our destination's appeal and drive economic and social growth throughout North Queensland,” he said.
Events claiming the top position across two categories were Queensland Country Bank Stadium – P!nk Summer Carnival for Major Event, and the Destination Event Award was presented to SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week as the region continues to claim it’s title as Events Capital of the North.
Individual award categories were also presented to recognise significant personal contributions to the industry, with the highly prized Richard Power Award awarded jointly to ex-CEO of The Ville Resort-Casino - Micheal Jones, and Executive Chairman of the Morris Group – Chris Morris, for their immense passion and dedication in delivering new luxury experiences to the region’s tourism offer.
The Young Achiever Award was presented to Kyle Morris from the Townsville Airport; and the Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer awarded to Robyn Edwards from the Townsville Visitor Information Centre who has contributed more than five years to welcoming visitors to the region.
Still relatively new to the Awards lineup, the Excellence Awards were presented to recognise an individual or business who has shown continued steps toward delivering a sustainable visitor experience or dedication to offering an exceptional accessible and inclusive experience.
"The purpose of the Excellence in Sustainability and Excellence in Accessible Tourism has been to recognise business initiatives that have gone above and beyond to ensure continued improvements to not only offer world-class visitor experiences, but to enhance the community and environment that locals enjoy every day,” Ms Brumme-Smith said
"Each finalist is a leader in the industry and should be proud of their commitment to making this region better in every aspect, not only from a business perspective, but their contribution to our community.”
The winners of these awards were Pilgrim Magnetic Island for Excellence in Sustainability, and Aquascene Magnetic Island for Excellence in Accessible Tourism.
The gala event was held at Queensland Museum Tropics and was attended by 180 local tourism industry and business representatives. The 2024 North Queensland Tourism Awards was delivered by Townsville Enterprise and sponsored by Townsville City Council, Townsville Airport, Simon George & Sons, Queensland Museum Tropics, TAFE Queensland, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Invida Property Management, Michels Catering and Events, Tan Lines Distilling, Southern Cross Austereo and Budd Photography.
Winners
People's Choice Awards
Accommodation - Hotel
Winner: The Ville Resort-Casino
Highly Commended: Quest on Eyre
Accommodation – Caravan and Holiday Parks
Winner: Charters Towers Tourist Park
Highly Commended: Magnetic Island Roamer
Dining: Restaurant
Winner: Shorehouse
Highly Commended: Watermark
Dining: Café and Casual Dining
Winner: Hervey's Range Heritage Rooms
Highly Commended: Beach Hotel
Tours, Attractions and Experiences
Winner: Billabong Sanctuary
Highly Commended: Pilgrim Magnetic Island
Bars, Breweries and Distilleries
Winner: Ardo Rooftop
Highly Commended: Townsville Brewing Co.
Business Conferencing Venue
Winner: The Ville Resort-Casino
Highly Commended: Mercure Townsville
Transport & Hire Services
Winner: SeaLink North Queensland
Highly Commended: Magnetic Island Ferries
Best Major Event
Winner: Queensland Country Bank Stadium – P!nk Summer Carnival 2024
Highly Commended: Cluden Park – Winter Racing Carnival
Best Destination Event
Winner: Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week
Highly Commended: Townsville Brewing Co. - Oktoberfest
New Tourism Business or Experience
Winner: Ardo
Highly Commended: Aquascene Magnetic Island
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
Winner: Aquascene Magnetic Island
Highly Commended: Magnetic Island Tours
Excellence in Sustainability
Winner: Pilgrim Magnetic Island
Highly Commended: Billabong Sanctuary
100% Best of Queensland Score
- Aquascene Magnetic Island
- Big Mama Sailing
- BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park
- BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - Rowes Bay
- BIG4 Eco Resort Townsville
- Beachside Magnetic Harbour Apartments
- Billabong Sanctuary
- Charters Towers Tourist Park (G'Day Park)
- Orpheus Island Lodge
- SeaLink North Queensland
- Tasman Holiday Parks - Rollingstone
- Yongala Dive
Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer
Winner: Robyn Edwards, Townsville Enterprise Tourism Volunteer
Young Achiever Award
Winner: Kyle Morris, Townsville Airport
Richard Power Award for Outstanding Contribution
Winner: Micheal Jones, The Ville Resort-Casino
Winner: Chris Morris, Morris Escapes
