Business
22 November, 2024
Best of FNQ tourism
TWELVE Tropical North Queensland businesses and people have been honoured at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Queensland Tourism Awards.
The Reef House Adults Retreat overlooking the beach at Palm Cove was named Queensland’s best five-star luxury accommodation for the third time and now has become a member of the hall of fame.
SkyPark Cairns by AJ Hackett claimed both the bronze tourist attractions gong and the coveted RACQ people’s choice experiences award.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council chairwoman Elsa D’Alessio said that, despite the region suffering the devastating impact of tropical cyclones Jasper and Kirrily earlier this year, the awards reflected Australia’s love for the natural wonderland of Tropical North Queensland.
“It’s certainly been a tough year for operators in northern Queensland, however these awards are a reminder that Australians continue to choose the Tropical North as a premier holiday destination,” she said.
“From major ecotourism and First Nations tourism experiences to luxury accommodation offerings, Tropical North Queensland’s abundant and diverse tourism industry continues to shine brightly.
“Boasting World Heritage rainforests and coral reefs, it’s no surprise that Tropical North Queensland is once again a favourite among Australians with Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett taking out the RACQ people’s choice award.
“It’s also great to see the next generation of Australian tourism operators paving their way in the industry with Barefoot Tours’ Chelsea Handley awarded the prestigious Stephen Gregg award for young achiever of the year.
“As the proud owner of Barefoot Tours and founder of Allbout Cairns, Chelsea showcases an unwavering commitment to responsible practices, ethical standards, and collaborative initiatives,” the judges said.
“Chelsea’s journey is an inspiration to young entrepreneurs, highlighting that age holds no barrier to impactful success.”
The Reef House Adults Retreat director Malcolm Bean said it was a great honour for the adults-only hotel to win the prestigious award for the third year in a row and enter the hall of fame.
“A big thank you goes to the dedicated team at The Reef House Adults Retreat led by general manager Wayne Harris as each staff member is committed to ensuring every guest feels like a VIP,” he said.
“Our vision for an adults-only wellness resort that delivers remarkable customer service with more than 28 complimentary ‘Signature Inclusions’ is resounding with travellers who return again and again with 36 per cent of our guest nights from repeat visitors.
“Over the past year we have continued to develop our guest experiences and have created a walk-in wine cellar where guests are taken on a wine appreciation journey with the sommelier.”
Other gold winners were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences – Cape York Peninsula Lodge and 4-4.5-star deluxe accommodation – Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort.
Other awards:
Silver, major tourist attractions – Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Silver, tourist attractions – Cobbold Gorge Tours
Silver, adventure tourism – Cape York Motorcycle Adventures
Silver, 4-4.5 star deluxe accommodation – Cape York Peninsula Lodge
Bronze, major tourist attractions – Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre
Bronze, tourist attractions – SkyPark Cairns by AJ Hackett
Bronze, ecotourism – Small World Journeys.
