Queensland has once again proven itself as the top destination for tourism in Australia, taking home the majority of awards at the 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. Out of 25 categories, Queensland won an impressive 16 awards, including seven Gold, nine Silver, and Bronze awards. This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the tourism and events industry in the state, who work tirelessly to create unforgettable visitor experiences.
Among the winners were some of Queensland’s most iconic and beloved attractions. The Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience was awarded Gold for Tourist Attraction, while the Outback Queensland Masters took home Gold for Festival or Event. Fun Over 50 Holidays, one of the state’s premier tour and transport operators, was also awarded Gold.
Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience
Queensland also boasts some of the country’s best accommodations, with Bli Bli House on the Sunshine Coast taking home Gold for Hosted Accommodation and Cape York Peninsula Lodge in Tropical North Queensland winning Gold for 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation. Mitchell Grass Retreat in Outback Queensland also won Bronze for Unique Accommodation, highlighting the state’s diverse and exceptional offerings.
In addition to these established and well-known destinations, Queensland is also home to exciting new tourism businesses. Wildcat Mackay, an innovative adventure tour operator, was awarded Gold for New Tourism Business in 2022, showcasing the state’s commitment to fostering new and exciting experiences for visitors.
But Queensland’s success doesn’t stop there. The state also won Silver for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Tourism Experience with Spirits of the Red Sand in Brisbane, Silver for Adventure Tourism with Ocean Rafting in the Whitsundays, and Silver for Visitor Information Services with the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum, and Gallery in Outback Queensland.
Bronze awards were also handed out to Sea World Cruises on the Gold Coast for Major Tour and Transport Operator, Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort on the Southern Great Barrier Reef for Eco Tourism, Magnums Unique Accommodation Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays for 3-3.5 Star Accommodation, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast for Major Tourist Attraction, and Tourism Tropical North Queensland for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns.
This year’s Australian Tourism Awards were a celebration of Queensland’s rich and diverse tourism offerings, from the stunning coastline to the rugged outback. With so many exceptional experiences to be had, it’s no wonder that Queensland continues to be one of Australia’s top tourist destinations.
For those looking to explore Queensland’s award-winning attractions and experiences, there are endless options to choose from. Whether it’s taking a tour with Fun Over 50 Holidays, sampling the world-renowned Bundaberg Rum at the distillery, or enjoying the unique accommodations at Bli Bli House or Cape York Peninsula Lodge, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable time.
And let’s not forget the natural beauty of Queensland, from the pristine beaches of the Whitsundays to the ancient rainforests of Tropical North Queensland. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why Queensland continues to dominate the Australian tourism industry.
In conclusion, congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, and to the entire tourism and events industry in Queensland. Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we can’t wait to see what incredible experiences and attractions you’ll create in the future.
For more information on Queensland’s award-winning tourism industry and to plan your next adventure, visit https://www.queensland.com/.
Written by: Anne Keam
