Business
8 December, 2024
FNQ tourism at its finest
TWELVE Tropical North Queensland businesses and people have won awards at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Queensland Tourism Awards.
The Reef House Adults Retreat overlooking the beach at Palm Cove was named Queensland’s best five-star luxury accommodation for the third time and now has become a member of the hall of fame.
Cape York Motorcycle Tours picked up silver for adventure tourism and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre a bronze for a major tourist attraction.
SkyPark Cairns by AJ Hackett claimed both the bronze tourist attractions gong and the coveted RACQ people’s choice experiences award.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council chairwoman Elsa D’Alessio said that despite the region suffering the devastating impact of tropical cyclones Jasper and Kirrily earlier this year, the awards reflected Australia’s love for the natural wonderland of Tropical North Queensland.
“It’s certainly been a tough year for operators in northern Queensland, however these awards are a reminder that Australians continue to choose the tropical north as a premier holiday destination,” she said.
Ms D’Alessio said the region offered major ecotourism and First Nations tourism experiences as well as luxury accommodation.
“Boasting World Heritage rainforests and coral reefs, it’s no surprise that Tropical North Queensland is once again a favourite among Australians with Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett taking out the RACQ people’s choice award.”
The Reef House Adults Retreat director Malcolm Bean said it was a great honour for the adults-only hotel to win the prestigious award for the third year in a row and enter the hall of fame.
“A big thank you goes to the dedicated team at The Reef House Adults Retreat led by general manager Wayne Harris as each staff member is committed to ensuring every guest feels like a VIP,” he said.
“Our vision for an adults-only wellness resort that delivers remarkable customer service with more than 28 complimentary Signature Inclusions is resounding with travellers who return again and again with 36 per cent of our guest nights from repeat visitors.
“Over the past year we have continued to develop our guest experiences and have created a walk-in wine cellar where guests are taken on a wine appreciation journey with the sommelier.”
Other gold winners were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences - Cape York Peninsula Lodge and 4-4.5-star deluxe accommodation - Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort.
Other awards:
Silver - major tourist attractions - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Silver - tourist attractions - Cobbold Gorge Tours
Silver - 4-4.5 star deluxe accommodation - Cape York Peninsula Lodge
Bronze - ecotourism - Small World Journeys.
Read More: Far North
