Australia’s leading tourism operators were celebrated on Friday 1 March 2019 for outstanding innovations and commitment to quality tourism experiences at the industry’s premier awards ceremony, the 2018 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards at Cataract Gorge, Launceston.
Notably, four businesses won the prestigious accolade of being inducted into the Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for taking the top honours in their respective categories three years running. These include Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (QLD) for Major Festivals and Events, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures (WA) for Adventure Tourism, The Beach House and Bayside (WA) for Hosted Accommodation and The Frames Luxury Accommodation (SA) for Deluxe Accommodation.
In addition, the Irwin Family was awarded the prestigious title of Australian Tourism Legend, recognised for their continued contribution to the Australian tourism industry through the promotion of Australia as a destination of choice, and also through their tireless work in protecting the environment, ensuring the benefits of Australian destinations are maintained for generations.
The awards, which showcase the best in outstanding customer service, innovation and ongoing business excellence, were presented in front of 800 industry peers and officials from across Australia.
Daniel Gschwind, Chair of the Australian Tourism Awards, congratulated all the winners and finalists from across Australia.
“To reach the finalists’ stage of the Australian Tourism Awards is a great honour in itself and all finalists should be immensely proud of their efforts. The winners from tonight’s event truly are the best of the best, with a lot of strong competition across all categories,” said Gschwind.
“Those that have taken home the trophy have been honoured for their hard work, innovation and commitment to quality which contributes to the ongoing success of our $55.3 billion tourism industry. It is businesses like these that drive the growing contribution that tourism makes to the economy and communities right across Australia,” he said.
“It’s always a privilege to attend these awards and see so many incredibly talented and passionate Australian tourism operators rewarded for their day-in and day-out efforts”, said John O’Sullivan, Managing Director Tourism Australia.
“On behalf of Tourism Australia I’d like to congratulate all this year’s finalists and winners, as well as all the many other unsung heroes around Australia, who contribute to making our country the world-class destination it continues to be.”
The Awards are made possible by the continued support of several sponsors, particularly Qantas, Tourism Australia and Tourism Tasmania. LATTE publisher Signature Media sponsored the Luxury Accommodation award this year.
Among the award winners were:
Luxury Accommodation
GOLD – Cicada Lodge at Nitmiluk Gorge – NT
SILVER – Alkina Lodge – VIC
BRONZE – RACV Royal Pines Resort – QLD
Deluxe Accommodation
GOLD – MACq 01 Hotel – TAS
SILVER – Wallaroo Marina Apartments – SA
BRONZE – Kununurra Country Club Resort – WA
Unique Accommodation
GOLD – Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventure – The Horizontal Hotel – WA
SILVER – Whitsunday Escape – QLD
BRONZE – Jamala Wildlife Lodge – ACT
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
GOLD – Cicada Lodge Restaurant at Nitmiluk Gorge – NT
SILVER – Sandalford Wines – WA
BRONZE – Royal Mail Hotel – VIC
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries
GOLD – Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience – QLD
SILVER – Seppeltsfield Estate Barossa – SA
BRONZE – Willie Smith’s Apple Shed – TAS
Major Tourist Attractions
GOLD – Port Arthur Historic Site – TAS
SILVER – National Gallery of Australia – ACT
BRONZE – Busselton Jetty – WA
Cultural Tourism
GOLD – Port Arthur Historic Site – TAS
SILVER – Paronella Park – QLD
BRONZE – Fremantle Prison – WA
Qantas Award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism
GOLD – Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences – WA
SILVER – Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge – NT
BRONZE – Mossman Gorge Centre – QLD