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Queensland’s peak industry body for tourism, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), has celebrated World Tourism Day with the announcement of the 2017 QTIC Prize for Innovation in Tourism.

Brisbane-based scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group, EarthCheck took out the award, recognised for its Building Planning and Design Standard which enables the assessment of environmental, social and economic impacts of a tourism project.

The Australian Age of the Dinosaurs and Capricorn Caves were announced as runners-up and will each receive mentoring and advice through TAFE Queensland’s Building Better Business program.

Presenting Earthcheck with a $30,000 business support package, Queensland Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones stated “EarthCheck are leading the way when it comes to sustainable tourism.

“Their support for travel and tourism businesses is helping ensure our industry remains clean, safe and prosperous.

“It’s fitting we also recognise our equally unique tourism ideas that will ensure we remain competitive and continue to grow the tourism industry in the years ahead.

“All entrants and winners, from all corners of the state, demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for making tourism better.

“Thanks to QTIC for continuing to champion these awards and innovation across the industry.”

Now in its fifth year, the QTIC Prize for Innovation in Tourism recognises small to medium sized Queensland tourism enterprises that have demonstrated outstanding effort in innovation of products, services and processes in Queensland.

QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind congratulated EarthCheck for their dedication to foster innovation within the tourism industry over the past 30 years and for promoting Queensland as a global centre for tourism innovation.

Gschwind added “2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development so we feel the judges certainly chose a fitting winner.”

Gschwind said the QTIC Prize for Innovation in Tourism reinforces the importance of continually innovating to drive a competitive industry - an industry that contributes $25 billion to the Queensland economy and employs 225,300 people.”

In addition to EarthCheck, The Australian Age of the Dinosaurs and Capricorn Caves, other tourism businesses acknowledged for their innovative processes, produced and services over the past year included:

• Australian Tourism Data Warehouse
• Bookeasy
• Cumberland Charter Yachts 
• Customer Frame
• Directors of the Extraordinary
• Next Hotel
• Paronella Park
• Prestige Day Tours
• Pumpkin Island
• Student Horizons
• The Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience

QTIC acknowledges the invaluable contribution from sponsors of the 2017 QTIC Prize for Innovation in Tourism including the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and Commonwealth Games (Queensland Government), Flight Centre, University of Queensland Business School, Slingshot, RACQ, Riverlife and TAFE Queensland.

Image (from left): Australian Age of Dinosaurs' David Elliott, EarthCheck's Melinda Watt, Queensland Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones, Capricorn Caves' Ann Augusteyn and QTIC's Daniel Gschwind. 

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