2011 Queensland Tourism Awards
The Whitsundays has dominated the Queensland Tourism Awards held in Brisbane in December 2011. 5 Whitsundays products and businesses won their respective categories, and a further 16 were awarded finalist in the state tourism industry’s night of nights.
Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer Peter O’Reilly said he was extremely proud of the region’s efforts. For a relatively small destination to win so many awards and dominate the evening is such a huge achievement, confirming that the Whitsundays has many of the best experiences in Queensland operated by the best business owners.
The Whitsundays five awards were second only to Brisbane with six. Tropical North Queensland, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast all had four winners. There are minimum score requirements for finalist and winners to be awarded at state level. .
Winners
Whitsunday winners were:
Specialised Tourism Services: Villa Botanica
Major Tour and/or Transport Operator: Fantasea Adventure Cruising
The Richard Power Award for Tourism Marketing: Tourism Whitsundays - Queensland Tourism Digital Web Project
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services: Capers at the Beach Bar/Grill
Tourist and Caravan Parks: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
View the full list of QLD Tourism Award winners and finalists here: Queensland Tourism Awards Results
2011 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Winners at the Queensland Awards went on to the Australian Tourism Awards in Cairns on 2 March 2012.
Fantasea Adventure Cruising brought home Queensland's only gold winner's trophy, in the category of 'Major Tour and Transport Operator'. It was the second win in a row for Fantasea at national level and is a testament to the outstanding product and service provided by the dedicated staff at Fantasea Adventure Cruising.
Fantasea, part of the Riverside Marine Group of Companies, operates five ferries in the Whitsundays and takes passengers from the mainland to Hamilton Island Airport and Hamilton Island Marina. The company also operates Reefworld and Reefsleep as well as cruises to Whitehaven Beach.
This is the second successive year in which the Whitsunday cruise company has won the gold award for Best Major Tourism and Transport Operator in Australia.
