Australia’s most prestigious tourism event, the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, will take place on Friday, 21 March 2025, bringing together the best in the industry to celebrate excellence and innovation. The 2024 awards hold special significance, marking 40 years of the Australian Tourism Awards recognising and highlighting outstanding tourism experiences from across the nation.

Having won gold on a state level at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards, held last November at The Star Queen’s Wharf, a total of 24 Queensland tourism operators are finalists across 26 national award categories.

At last year’s national tourism awards, Queensland operators celebrated a remarkable result by claiming podium finishes in 14 of the 26 award categories. With five gold, seven silver, and two bronze being awarded to exceptional sunshine state operators.

Having won gold at last year’s national awards, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Fun Over 50 Holidays, Ocean Rafting and The Reef House Adults Retreat are all up for the top gong again.  

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO, Natassia Wheeler applauds all of the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards finalists and offers a special congratulations to the Queensland tourism operators going for gold.  

“Queensland is home to some of the best destinations, events and experiences in the country and now is our chance to make it official on the national stage,” said Ms Wheeler.

 “Last year’s awards were a tremendous success for our state and we’re hoping to see a repeat of those remarkable wins.

 “No state or territory is successful in wowing visitors or becoming a world-class destination without the hard work of its tourism operators. We owe all our tourism triumphs to those businesses that go the extra mile and work tirelessly to deliver outstanding visitor experiences.”

Over the past four decades, the awards have adapted alongside the evolving tourism landscape, celebrating businesses and individuals who have demonstrated drive, innovation, and commitment to delivering outstanding experiences.

“Reaching 40 years of the Australian Tourism Awards is an incredibly special occasion, highlighting four decades of excellence, innovation and dedication within our industry,” said Shaun de Bruyn, Chair, Australian Tourism Awards.

“As we mark this anniversary, we honour the legacy of past winners while also looking ahead to the future of Australian tourism and the incredible opportunities to come,” said Mr de Bruyn.

Tourism operators, industry leaders and government representatives from across Australia will gather in Adelaide, South Australia, for an evening of celebration, acknowledging businesses and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the nation’s tourism industry. From luxury accommodations and world-class attractions to regional experiences and sustainable tourism initiatives, the awards showcase the diverse and dynamic landscape of Australian tourism.

“As we mark 40 years of the Australian Tourism Awards, it is an opportunity to reflect on the dedication and passion of the tourism operators and their staff who all help to make Australia the best destination in the world,” said Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism.

“The Albanese Government knows that the travel and tourism industry is vital to our economy, our international reputation and it is also crucial for the prosperity of communities across Australia.”

“Congratulations to this year’s finalists and to all past winners as your contributions and efforts have helped make Australia a bucket list destination, delivering unforgettable experiences for visitors from near and far.”

For more information on the Awards, visit www.australiantourismawards.com.au. For more information on the Queensland finalists, visit www.qtic.com.au/australian-tourism-awards/  

 

FULL LIST OF QUEENSLAND FINALISTS

• GC Aqua Park – Major Tourist Attractions
• Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience – Tourist Attractions
• Beef Australia 2024 – Major Festivals and Events AND Excellence in Food Tourism
• Birdsville Big Red Bash – Festivals and Events
• Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort – The Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Cultural Tourism
• Cape York Peninsula Lodge – Award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism
• Sonia Jones Travel – Tourism Retail and Hire Services
• Quilpie Visitor Information Centre – Visitor Information Services
• Cedar Creek Lodges – Business Event Venues
• Ocean Rafting – Major Tour and Transport Operators
• Fun Over 50 Holidays – Tour and Transport Operators
• Aquascene Magnetic Island – Adventure Tourism
• Rockhampton Regional Council: Explore Rockhampton Accessible Tourism Campaign – Destination Marketing
• Sea World Cruises – Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
• Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience – Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries
• BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – Caravan and Holiday Parks AND Excellence in Accessible Tourism
• The Country House at Hunchy – Hosted Accommodation
• Mitchell Grass Retreat – Unique Accommodation
• Pinnacles Resort Airlie Beach – Self Contained Accommodation
• Great Keppel Island Hideaway – 3-3.5 Star Accommodation
• Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – 4-4.5 Star Accommodation
• The Reef House Adults Retreat – 5 Star Luxury Accommodation
• Vertigo – New Tourism Business

– ENDS –