About the Awards

The North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards recognise and foster excellence in our region’s tourism industry. This event provides the industry with a platform to acknowledge the people, places, organisations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer superior tourism experiences to visitors in the Townsville North Queensland region. 

Following another successful year for Townsville North Queensland - being the only region in Queensland having grown its visitation in the past quarter, the 2024 North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards provide an opportunity to recognise industry and the individuals who deliver on our brand promise to surprise and delight curious explorers, and to celebrate a year that has seen strong destination growth – both in terms of marketing awareness, but also reaching a historic $1.2B in visitor spend.  

View our past Award Winners

Categories

The Townsville North Queensland tourism industry is as diverse as the region it represents, and as an emerging destination, the Award category list continues to evolve and grow to aptly reflect those offering unique and memorable experiences to curious explorers from across Australia and the world.

People's Choice Award Categories

This category of awards aims to recognise excellence across a range of business sectors within the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry. This category will be judged by a select criteria, but also be taken to a public vote.

This award will be presented to an Accommodation (Hotel) business that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score.
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

This award will be presented to an Accommodation (Motel) business that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score.
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

This award will be presented to an Accommodation (Shortstay) business that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score.
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

This award will be presented to an Accommodation (Caravan and Holiday Parks) business that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score.
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

This award will be presented to a Restaurant business that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score (if available).
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

This award will be presented to a Cafe or Casual Dining business that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score (if available).
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

This award will be presented to a Bar, Brewery or Distillery business that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score (if available).
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

This award will be presented to a Tour, Attraction or Experience that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score (if available).
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

This award will be presented to a New Tourism Business or Experience that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score (if applicable).
  • Business must have been established and operational within the last 12 months (only).
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

NB. To qualify as a New Tourism Business or Experience, the entity needs to have commenced operation between 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2024.

This category recognises Major Festivals, Events and Exhibitions that enhance the profile and appeal of Townsville North Queensland, attract over 5,000 visitors and create a significant economic impact for the destination.

Important Notes: 

  • Event must attract over 5,000 visitors. 
  • Event must have occurred between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.
  • Event must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Event must be hosted in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

*Events outside of financial year period, need to be approved by Townsville Enterprise for special consideration. 

This category recognises Destination Festivals, Events and Exhibitions that enhance the profile and appeal of Townsville North Queensland, attract under 5,000 visitors and create economic impact for the destination.

Important Notes: 

  • Event must attract under 5,000 visitors. 
  • Event must have occurred between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.
  • Event must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Event must be hosted in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

*Events outside of financial year period, need to be approved by Townsville Enterprise for special consideration. 

This award will be presented to a Business and Conferencing Venue that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Important Notes:

  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Must be connected to the Townsville Enterprise Convention Bureau as a listed supplier.
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score (if applicable).
  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area

This award will be presented to the Townsville North Queensland Transport or Hire Services that delivers the most exceptional visitor experience.

Defined as a service provider designed to assist a person to travel from one place to another; to provide logistical access to Townsville North Queensland.

Important Notes:

  • Business must operate in the Townsville, Magnetic Island, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers or Palm Island area
  • Business nominating must be listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).
  • Judging will be determined by both an online vote and a weighting towards the operators Best of Queensland score. (if applicable)
Individual Award Categories

This award category aims to recognise exceptional contributions to the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry by an individual. Nominations in this category will be reviewed by a select industry panel, and judged according to the information and evidence provided at the time of nomination.

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

Nominations will need to detail:

  • Examples of the award nominee's service above and beyond their paid employment to the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry
  • Examples of the achievements and legacy the nominee has provided the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry

The Young Achiever Award recognises the exceptional contribution by an individual (under the age of 35 years) including their personal and professional/academic achievement and contribution to the local tourism and events industry.

Nominations will need to detail:

  • Examples of the award nominee's service above and beyond their paid employment/academic study to the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry
  • Examples of the achievements and legacy the nominee has provided the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry

The Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer , Host or Guide award aims to recognise an individual contribution who has shown exemplary contribution and who through their efforts has supported the advancement of the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry.

Nominations will need to detail:

  • Examples of the award nominee's service above and beyond their contribution to the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry
  • Examples of the achievements and legacy the nominee has provided the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry
Excellence Award Categories

These award categories aim to recognise excellence across key societal enablers which contribute to the Townsville North Queensland tourism industry. Nominations in this category will be reviewed by a select industry panel, and judged according to the information and evidence provided at the time of nomination.

The Excellence in Sustainability award aims to recognise an individual or business who has shown continued steps toward delivering a sustainable visitor experience. Sustainability is an evolution of continued growth in tourism, so this category is looking to celebrate innovation and commitment toward a sustainable future for Townsville North Queensland's tourism industry and broader society.

Nominations will need to detail:

  • Examples of the award nominee's demonstration toward continued improvements in sustainable practices
  • Demonstrate examples of how the individual or business has made commitments to sustainable practices
  • Address how these sustainable innovations have been delivered through one or more of the following pillars:
    • Sustainable management
    • Environmental impacts
    • Socio-economic impacts
    • Cultural impacts
  • Nominations should show evidence of accreditation or steps taken to progress sustainability rankings (i.e. Strive 4 Sustainability, Eco Tourism accreditation etc.)

The Excellence in Accessible Tourism award aims to recognise an individual or business who has shown continued steps toward delivering an inclusive, all-abilities visitor experience. The Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland is an opportunity to recognise the importance of accessible tourism experiences for all, and to ignite change and create opportunities for tourism businesses. This category is looking to celebrate innovation and commitment toward an inclusive future for Townsville North Queensland's tourism industry and broader society.

Nominations will need to detail:

  • Examples of the award nominee's demonstration toward continued improvements in accessibility
  • Demonstrate examples of how the individual or business has made commitments to creating an inclusive environment
  • Address how these inclusive innovations have been delivered through one or more of the following pillars:
    • Communication, social media and digital access
    • Inclusive employment and staff training
    • Amenities, services or facilities 
    • Customer service adaptations/changes
  • Nominations should show evidence of partnerships or training with accredited service providers, or steps toward achieving this. 

How to enter

The North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards recognises the outstanding achievements of the region's tourism industry, including individuals, businesses (industry operators) and events. 

The Awards are a nomination and public vote program and provide the opportunity to publicly acknowledge and showcase North Queensland's finest tourism operators. The Awards cover 13 categories ranging from attractions, events, tours, accommodation, restaurants and more. Nominations incur a cost which includes a ticket to the Awards Gala Event later this year.

Key dates
  • Nominations live - 18 August - 18 September  
  • Tickets on sale - 18 August 
  • Public voting - 1 October - 26 October 

Judging and voting process

The objective of the North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards is to fairly and independently evaluate each entry through a formalised assessment process. Nominations in the People's Choice Award categories will be assessed according the nominee's Best of Queensland Experiences score, but will also be taken to a public vote as a way to validate and offer community and visitor recommendation from personal experience.

Public voting opens on 1 October 2025, and will be promoted through digital, print, radio and social channels to capture engaged audiences from Townsville North Queensland, and those who have also recently visited the region.

Individual Award and Excellence Award categories will be assessed according to a select criteria, but will also be judged by a panel of industry leaders from across North Queensland. 

Sponsorship opportunities

For the first time, we are combining our North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards with the Tourism Futures Forum, offering unique partnership opportunities across both events. The North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards, alongside the Tourism Futures Forum, offers Townsville Enterprise Members the opportunity to leverage the reputation of two respected tourism events to receive significant brand exposure, both locally, and across the region.

A partnership with Townsville Enterprise for the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and the Tourism Futures Forum, provides your organisation
with an opportunity to support one of Townsville North Queensland’s key industry sectors; an industry that employs over 9,000 locals and contributes over $1.2b to our regional economy each year

Interested in sponsoring this year's North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards and the Tourism Futures Forum?
Contact our team - (07) 4726 2728 | [email protected] 

View sponsorship prospectus

If you're interested in further sponsorships for the Tourism Futures Forum, please click here

Partner Benefits:

  • Platinum sponsorship naming rights at the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum  
  • Opportunity to address audience and announce the winners of the Major Event and Destination Event category at the awards 
  • Opportunity to sit on the judging panel for the two Excellence Categories (judged via interview process)  
  • Access to winners list and contact details for personalised letters/acknowledgements (optional)  
  • Opportunity to offer all guests special offer as part of the sponsorship (optional)  
  • Keynote speaker opportunity at the 2025 Tourism Futures Forum OR opportunity to address audience at Forum  
  • Acknowledgement of the Platinum Partnership to be made by the MC at both events  
  • Corporate logo on all promotional material including event invitation, program, event ticketing website and EDMs  
  • Corporate banners (up to three) in prime location at both events 
  • Corporate logo (linked to your website) to be featured on the Townsville Enterprise corporate website event landing page 
  • Corporate logo to be displayed on holding screens at both events 
  • Acknowledgement of Platinum Partnership in the Townsville Enterprise e-newsletter  
  • Acknowledgement of Platinum Partnership through Townsville Enterprise social media channels  
  • Opportunity to share digital collateral to event attendees (to be supplied by partners, and subject to Townsville Enterprise approval before distribution)  
  • Logo placement on event wrap-up EDM  
  • Logo placement on the People’s Choice Awards voting platinum  
  • Four complimentary tickets to the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum 

    Partner Benefits:

    • Gold Sponsorship naming rights at the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum 
    • Opportunity to address audience and present certificates to the Best of Queensland Excellence Awards (100% Review Score) winners at the Awards  
    • Opportunity to address delegates during official opening at Tourism Futures Forum
    • Company logo to be featured on promotion holding screens at both evens  
    • Acknowledgement of partnerships during proceedings by MC at both events  
    • Acknowledgement of Gold Partnership through social media and e-newsletters  
    • Corporate logo on all promotional material including event invitation, program, event ticketing website and EDMs   
    • Optional placement of signage/banners (up to two) at both events  
    • Opportunity to share digital collateral to event attendees (to be supplied by partner)  
    • Logo placement on the People’s Choice Awards voting platform  
    • Logo placement on event wrap-up EDM  
    • Three tickets to the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum  

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      Partner Benefits:

      • Silver Sponsorship naming rights at the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum 
      • Naming rights of an excellence award and opportunity to present award to winner 
      • Company logo to be featured on promotional holding screens at both events  
      • Acknowledgement of partnership during proceedings by MC at both events 
      • Acknowledgement of partnership through social media and e-newsletters  
      • Logo placement on event wrap-up EDM  
      • Optional placement of signage/banners at both events (up to one)  
      • Three tickets to the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum  
        • Bronze sponsorship naming rights at the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum 
        • Naming rights of Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer and opportunity to present award to winner 
        • Company logo to be featured on promotional holding screens at both events 
        • Acknowledgement of partnership during proceedings at both events  
        • Acknowledgement of partnership through social media and e-newsletters  
        • Logo placement on the People’s Choice Awards voting platform  
        • Logo representation on all event collateral including event invitation, ticketing website and event program 
        • Logo placement on event wrap-up EDM  
        • Two tickets to the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum 

        Price: $1,500 (ex GST)

        Partner Benefits:

        • Silver Sponsorship naming rights at the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum 
        • Naming rights of Young Achiever Award and opportunity to present award to winner 
        • Company logo to be featured on promotional holding screens at both events  
        • Acknowledgement of partnership during proceedings by MC at both events 
        • Acknowledgement of partnership through social media and e-newsletters  
        • Logo placement on event wrap-up EDM  
        • Optional placement of signage/banners at both events (up to one)  
        • Three tickets to the 2025 North Queensland Tourism & Events Awards and Tourism Futures Forum  

          Event tickets

          One event ticket is included in each Award nomination as part of the nomination fee.

          If you wish to purchase additional tickets to the industry's pinnacle event of the year, these are available online.

          Note: In 2025, we are also offering combined tickets for the 2025 Secure the Future: Tourism Forum