Whitsundays on show
At a black-tie event hosted in the Whitsundays this weekend, the 2018 Whitsunday Tourism Awards recognised the best in the region.
24 October 2018
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The 2018 Whitsunday Tourism Awards was supported by over 370 tourism operators, employees and industry stakeholders gathering to celebrate the achievements of the region’s tourism operators and service providers.
Shining the spotlight on the Whitsunday tourism industry, Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones was in attendance. Ms Jones said in her welcome speech that the Whitsundays was vital to ensuring the growth of the Queensland’s tourism economy.
“I know the judges had a particularly tough time this year judging the overall winners. This is a testament to the quality of tourism offerings we have in the Whitsundays,” she said.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Wilcox, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Natassia Wheeler, Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Leanne Coddington and Queensland Tourism Industry Council Deputy CEO & General Manager, Business Strategy Brett Kapernick all attended the industry gala event, as a show of support for the growing tourism industry in the Whitsunday region.
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Abell Point Marina were once again named Major Tourist Attraction for the region.
With 2018 being the third consecutive year Abell Point Marina has won the Major Tourist Attraction category, the marina was inducted into the Hall of Fame. In addition to the marina’s gold, marina-owned restaurant Hemingway’s took our gold for Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services.
Since opening in May 2017, Hemingway’s has developed a strong reputation for innovative food and attentive service in a stunning waterfront setting. Attaining its first Chef Hat (Australian Good Food Guide) in January 2018, Hemingway’s was also a finalist in the Savour Australia Queensland awards in August. The focus now shifts to the 2018 Queensland Tourism Awards on the Gold Coast in November.
Joscelyn O’Keefe, Marketing Manager Abell Point Marina explains “We are delighted to win Major Tourist Attraction for the third consecutive year.
“The marina is home to many of the award-winning operators who were also recognised with awards this year. Red Cat Adventures, Whitsunday Jetski Tours, Cumberland Charter Yachts, Whitsundays Escape, Ocean Rafting, Derwent Hunter and Airlie Beach Day Sailing all received awards and the quality of their tourism products all contribute to the quality of the marina destination we offer at Abell Point Marina.
“For Hemingway’s to also take out gold, after only one year in the business, was an incredible achievement for the entire team.”
Cumberland Charter Yachts took out gold at this year’s awards for ‘Unique Accommodation’, focusing on the uniqueness of the tourism experience and having an unconventional accommodation style.
General Manager Sharon McNally celebrated the night alongside industry partners, and was quick to thank the team at Cumberland Charter Yachts. “This award wouldn’t mean anything without the dedication and hard work our staff bring to the office each day”
“We’re also very excited to see the reopening of island resorts Daydream Island and Hayman Island next year so that our charterers can have more to explore in this magical holiday destination. It’s going to be a really exciting year for the tourism industry and the Whitsundays.” said Mrs McNally.
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