SWIMPLEX AQUATICS
Swimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…
read moreA busy night at this year’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards has seen Terri, Robert and Bindi Irwin named ‘tourism legends’ for their service to the industry, receiving the receiving the Australian Tourism Legend award.
Held at the Cataract Gorge in Launceston last night in front of more than 800 industry representatives, the event continued its practice of ensuring the host state secured a significant number of awards.
However, the Award presentations were upstaged by Shadow Federal Minister for Tourism Anthony Albanese announcing that a future Labor Government would invest $6 million in the Quality Tourism Framework while a group of environmental protesters attempted to hijack the event with a large red banner reading ‘Keep Tasmania Wild’ unfurled underneath the Alexandra Suspension Bridge in the Gorge.
Among award recipients, the Port Arthur Historic Site won in the major tourist attractions and cultural tourism categories.
It caps off a stellar 2018 for the World Heritage-listed former convict site which had day-entry visitors increase to almost 370,000 last financial year, up 72% since 2013.
The other Tasmanian winner was MACq 01 Hotel in the deluxe accommodation category. The luxury waterfront hotel only opened in mid-2017, but has already won 12 tourism and hospitality awards.
Tasmanian tourism identity Robert Pennicott was also recognised, with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys receiving silver in the major tour and transport operators category.
Commenting on the event, Australian Tourism Awards Chairman Daniel Gschwind said to even reach the finalists stage was a great honour, advising “the winners from tonight’s event truly are the best of the best, with a lot of strong competition across all categories.
“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.”
Among the 800 guests at the gala dinner was Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman and former Richmond AFL star Matthew Richardson, who was MC.
Commenting on the environmental protest, abseiler Kenna Reid Clark advised “(this) demonstration is against the unprecedented wave of private developments threatening World Heritage Areas and national parks due to the Tasmanian Government’s shambolic expressions of interest process.”
Qantas Australian Tourism Awards winners
Major Tourist Attractions
Gold: Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania
Tourist Attractions
Gold: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Western Australia
Major Festivals and Events
Gold: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland
Festivals and Events
Gold: Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo, Queensland
The Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism
Gold: Fun Over Fifty, Queensland
Cultural Tourism
Gold: Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism
Gold: Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences, Western Australia
Specialised Tourism Services Proud Mary, South Australia
Gold: Visitor Information Services Swan Valley Visitor Centre, Western Australia
Business Event Venues
Gold: Adelaide Hills Convention Centre, South Australia
Major Tour and Transport Operators
Gold: Red Cat Adventures, Queensland
Tour and Transport Operators
Gold: Kimberley Quest, Western Australia
Adventure Tourism
Gold: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Western Australia
Destination Marketing,
Gold: Pie Time - Southern Highlands, NSW & ACT
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
Gold: Cicada Lodge Restaurant at Nitmiluk Gorge, Northern Territory
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries
Gold: Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience, Queensland
Caravan and Holiday Parks
Gold: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Queensland
Hosted Accommodation
Gold: The Beach House at Bayside, Western Australia
Unique Accommodation
Gold: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures - The Horizontal Hotel, Western Australia
Self Contained Accommodation
Gold: The Frames Luxury Accommodation, South Australia
Standard Accommodation
Gold: Cave Hill Creek, Victoria
Deluxe Accommodation
Gold: MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania (pictured)
Luxury Accommodation
Gold: Cicada Lodge at Nitmiluk Gorge, Northern Territory
New Tourism Business
Gold: St Andrews Beach Brewery, Victoria
Excellence in Food Tourism
Gold: Two Feet & a Heartbeat, Western Australia
Australian Tourism Legend
The Irwin Family
Click here for more information.
Images: Terri, Robert and Bindi Irwin named ‘tourism legends’ at last night’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards (top); the protesters’ banner hangs from the Alexandra Suspension Bridge in the Gorge (middle) and guests arrive for the event (below, courtesy of Anthony Albanese MP).
27th February 2019 - Developer plans appeal after Council knocks back plans for camp in Tasmanian World Heritage Area
22nd January 2019 - Australia’s cultural attractions combine to launch new Global Tourism Initiative
27th April 2018 - Steve Irwin immortalised on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
24th February 2018 - Tourism’s high achievers recognised at 2017 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
30th July 2017 - New aquatic play park part of the revival of the Whitsundays
25th February 2017 - Sovereign Hill the top attraction, Harvey Lister named industry legend at Australian Tourism Awards
11th February 2017 - Animal rights protesters disrupt Sea World dolphin show
26th December 2016 - BIG4 Holiday Parks gain tourism accolades across Australia
3rd September 2016 - 10 years on Steve Irwin’s wildlife conservation legacy lives on
12th April 2016 - Port Arthur Historic Site to get Federal funds for tourism centre development
1st April 2016 - Victorian Government allows new cruising venture at Wilsons Promontory
6th February 2016 - Qantas Australian Tourism Awards recognise industry excellence
11th April 2015 - Tasmania dominates Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
21st October 2013 - ATEC welcomes Anthony Albanese’s shadow tourism role
6th June 2010 - Terri Irwin celebrates Wenlock River’s ‘Wild River’ declaration
Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.
However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.
Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.
Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.
Click here to subscribe.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Swimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…
read moreBODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…
read moreAugmented Creative is an open organization of like-minded and highly dedicated, creative people who conceive, plan and execute visual solutions. We pursue new and innovative visual ideas to help…
read moreHadley Australia and Series Australia Pty Ltd are the leading quality theatre chair manufacturers in the southern hemisphere. The businesses work closely with architects, interior designers and…
read morePolin was founded in Istanbul in 1976, and has since grown into a leading company in the waterparks industry. Today Polin is one of the world leaders in the design, production, and installation of…
read morerevolutioniseSPORT is the emerging market leader in online club management in Australia. Whether it is memberships, registrations, events, online sales or governance tools - revolutioniseSPORT is the…
read moreMETRA Australia is your innovation partner for smart electronic locking, Access Control solutions and cashless payment systems to suit all types of leisure facilities. Our team’s…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!