Far North Queensland has emerged as the undeniable star of this year's Queensland Tourism Awards, with local businesses securing an impressive collection of gold medals and major honours at the prestigious industry event.
Major Wins for Cairns and Region
The Queensland Tourism Awards ceremony held in Cairns saw FNQ operators dominate across multiple categories, demonstrating the region's exceptional quality and innovation in tourism experiences. Local businesses claimed gold in several key areas, cementing the region's reputation as a premier destination.
Among the standout winners was the Cairns Aquarium, which took home the gold medal in the Tourist Attractions category. This remarkable facility has become a must-visit destination since opening, showcasing the incredible marine biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics region.
Another major local success story unfolded in the Adventure Tourism category, where Foaming Fury secured the gold award. This adventure company has built an outstanding reputation for delivering unforgettable white water rafting experiences on the region's wild rivers.
Excellence Across Multiple Categories
The winning streak continued with Bespoke Holidays Cairns & Great Barrier Reef claiming gold in the Tour and Transport Operators division. Their personalised approach to showcasing the region's wonders has set new standards for tour operations throughout Queensland.
In the competitive Business Event Venues category, The Pullman Cairns International emerged victorious with a gold medal, recognising the hotel's superior facilities and service for corporate and event travellers.
The awards highlighted not just individual business excellence but the collective strength of Far North Queensland's tourism offering. Multiple FNQ businesses secured silver and bronze medals across various categories, demonstrating depth and quality throughout the region's tourism sector.
Recognition of Regional Tourism Strength
The concentration of winners from Far North Queensland sends a powerful message about the region's tourism capabilities. Local operators have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation following challenging periods for the industry, emerging stronger and more competitive than ever.
Tourism leaders noted that the success of FNQ businesses reflects significant investment in quality experiences and customer service. The awards recognise operations that not only attract visitors but deliver memories that last a lifetime, contributing to Queensland's reputation as a world-class destination.
The Queensland Tourism Awards serve as a crucial benchmark for excellence within the industry, with winners now progressing to represent the state at the Australian Tourism Awards next year. Far North Queensland's strong showing positions the region as a key contributor to Queensland's tourism success story and highlights the area's growing influence within the national tourism landscape.
Industry observers noted that the concentration of winners in Cairns and surrounding regions underscores the area's diverse appeal, from reef and rainforest experiences to luxury accommodations and unique adventures. This diversity has proven to be a significant strength in attracting various types of travellers and meeting evolving market demands.
