Local businesses and events vying to be crowned best in the State
Posted on October 19th, 2021
The 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards are once again set to recognise the outstanding strength, resilience, and achievements of our state’s tourism operators, with four local nominees bracing for gold in various categories.
Now in it’s 36th year, the prestigious awards, hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), publicly acknowledge, and showcase Queensland’s finest tourism operators across more than 30 categories ranging from attractions, events, tour and transport, accommodation, restaurants, culture, marketing and more.
Taking pride of place on the finest riverfront site in Central Queensland, the impressive 13-storey Empire Apartment Hotel, is hopeful of celebrating a trifecta for their third consecutive win in the Deluxe Accommodation category, securing the notable accolade in both 2018 and 2019 (due to COVID, the awards did not take place in 2020).
In addition to the accommodation category, Empire Apartment Hotel is also in the running to be acknowledged as the best Business Event Venue, a category which recognises venues who provide quality facilities specifically designed for business visitors such as meetings, workshops, and conferences.
With Beef 2021 recognised as the biggest and best event to date, breaking attendance records and setting record top price and sale totals for commercial cattle sold, Beef Australia is proudly standing amongst nominees in the Major Festivals category, which distinguishes events that enhance the profile, awareness, and appeal of the destination they are held in as well as creating economic impact, increased visitation, and community involvement. To be eligible for this category, events must welcome attendance over 50,000.
Following a hugely successful inaugural event in 2020, which fired up Rockhampton for three days of high-octane automotive excitement, Rockynats has been nominated in the Festival and Events category, which also focuses on events that increase visitation and boost the economy, however welcoming attendance under 50,000.
Powered by a team providing visitors with up-to-date and relevant information about the destination and neighbouring towns and cities seven days a week, the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre volunteers are also up for an award for their hard work and dedication.
Nominated by Capricorn Enterprise in the category of Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group, this award celebrates the strong, ongoing personal commitment made by a team of volunteers who freely give their time and skill, contributing to the professionalism of our industry and the positive image of tourism in Queensland.
Presented at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 12th November, the Awards Gala Ceremony will see more than 800 guests gather to celebrate the achievements of Queensland’s best tourism businesses and witness the crowning of the 2021 winners.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll is thrilled to see so many nominations for our region and wishes all entrants the best of luck.
“We are so proud of all local businesses and events who continue providing a benchmark for best practice within the tourism industry and making the visitor experience to Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast and Central Queensland Highlands exceptional,” Mary said.
“This year’s awards will not only highlight the best of the best across Queensland, but also the strength and resilience of many operators during a very challenging period.”
Select category winners from the Queensland Tourism Awards progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards where they will be competing on a national level against finalists from each State and Territory.
