Whitsundays Tourism Awards: A Night of Celebration and Recognition
Last Saturday, the Whitsundays came alive with glamour and excitement as the region hosted its annual Tourism Awards at the picturesque Daydream Island Resort. With over 360 guests in attendance, the event was a fabulous celebration of the exceptional talent and hard work within the tourism industry.
The evening kicked off with a vibrant networking party atmosphere, where attendees enjoyed live entertainment, mouthwatering food, and dancing that lasted well into the night. It was a true showcase of the outstanding contributions made by businesses and individuals alike.
A Toast to Resilience and Innovation
Tourism Whitsundays’ interim CEO, Aimee Cameron, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the importance of recognising both new entries and established names that continue to shine in this dynamic industry. “We’ve really been looking forward to the night and celebrating the successes of our incredible Whitsundays tourism industry,” she said.
Aimee also proudly announced that eleven entrants were welcomed into the Hall of Fame this year—a testament to the dedication and hard work present in the sector. A special shout-out was made to sponsors like Bishopp Advertising, Airlie Beach Hotel, Daydream Island, and Cruise Whitsundays, who helped make the evening a success.
Cheers to All Who Contribute
Julie Telford, Chair of the Board at Tourism Whitsundays, took a moment to congratulate everyone in the industry for their achievements. “Tonight is a celebration of their passion for the tourism industry,” she stated, adding that it was inspiring to see so many new operators step forward.
She praised her team at Tourism Whitsundays for their unwavering commitment, noting that despite being a small group, they consistently go above and beyond for every member. It’s clear that teamwork makes the dream work!
The Heartbeat of the Whitsundays
Mayor Ry Collins echoed these sentiments, calling tourism the “heartbeat of the Whitsundays.” Thanks to the resilience and adaptability of stakeholders, he noted, the region continues to deliver unforgettable experiences. In fact, this year’s budget saw an increase in funding for Tourism Whitsundays from $720,000 to a robust $1 million—a sign that they are serious about driving visitation and building a thriving economy.
Collins congratulated all individuals and businesses recognised at the awards. “The record visitation numbers we’ve seen are proof of your incredible efforts,” he said. With such dedication, it’s no wonder that the Whitsundays shines as a world-class destination!
And the Winners Are…
The awards segment celebrated an impressive array of winners across various categories. Here are some of the highlights:
Tourism Awards
- Tourist Attractions: Cruise Whitsundays
- Festivals & Events: Great Barrier Reef Festival
- Ecotourism: Whitsunday Segway Tours
- Major Tour & Transport Operators: Ocean Rafting
- Unique Accommodation: Cruise Whitsundays
Business Awards
- Excellence in Customer Service: Bowen Tourism and Business
- Most Outstanding Booking Service: Airlie Beach Tourism
- Whitsundays Business of the Year: Coral Sea Marina Resort
People’s Choice Awards
- Experience: Ocean Rafting
- Accommodation: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
Hall of Fame Inductees
Notable entries included Cruise Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef Festival, and InterContinental Hayman Island Resort—an impressive roster that represents the very best of what the region has to offer.
A Heartfelt Thank You
The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, including Bishopp Advertising, Airlie Beach Hotel, and many others who contributed to making the event memorable. Their support is instrumental in promoting tourism in this stunning part of Australia.
As we look back on a night filled with joy and recognition, it’s clear that the Whitsundays tourism industry is not just surviving—it’s thriving! Here’s to continued success and innovation in the coming year. Until next time!
