The strength of the State’s tourism industry has been further recognised at the 2013 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards with eleven Queensland operators awarded for their outstanding contribution. Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey applauded the winners for their fantastic achievement which saw the State take home four Gold, four Silver and three Bronze Awards. “To be recognised by your peers on a national level is an incredible achievement and I congratulate the eleven winners as well as the 27 Queensland finalists,” Ms Stuckey said. “The results are another boost for tourism, which the Newman Government promised at the election to grow as one of the four pillars of the economy. “The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards recognise the very best of our industry and reflect the dedication, passion and commitment that these tourism operators have embodied. “Operators from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Queensland’s Outback, Whitsundays and Tropical North Queensland took out coveted awards demonstrating the diversity of Queensland’s tourism appeal. “Our Queensland winners have played an important role in growing the region’s tourism industry and restoring confidence after years of Labor inaction. “This is especially important as we strive towards the Newman Government’s goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.” Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO, Daniel Gschwind said the Queensland tourism businesses recognised had numerous reasons to bask in the limelight. “The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards are yet another opportunity for Queensland’s tourism businesses to stand tall, celebrate their achievements and remain positive about the outlook of the industry,” Mr Gschwind said. “It has been a tough road travelled by some Queensland tourism businesses in the past few years following a series of natural weather disasters and economic challenges. “However, it’s now time to continue the positive momentum and work hard to achieve our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.” The 2013 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Queensland award recipients can be viewed below. |