Local tourism gets a shot at state recognition

New luxury hotel group, Spicers Retreats, Hotels & Lodges, will be representing the Southern Downs region as tourism businesses from across Queensland vie for State recognition in the 2011 Queensland Tourism Awards, proudly presented by Queensland Airports Limited (QAL).
Entering with eight award nominations this year, the Spicers Group is hoping for an award in the Luxury Accommodation category at their Spicers Peak Lodge and Spicers Clovelly Estate properties when the Queensland Tourism Awards are announced in November.
As the Spicers Group won last year’s Queensland Luxury Accommodation and New Tourism Development Awards, Spicers Group marketing manager Ebony Johnson said their mission was to raise the bar in Australian luxury accommodation and ensure guests receive a truly unique experience.
“We find the Queensland Tourism Awards help to establish trust, value and confidence for guests when choosing from the plethora of accommodation providers in the marketplace,” Ms Johnson said.
“We enjoy striving to be the best and to continually improve the guest experience, so the awards help us confirm how well we’re achieving our vision of high service standards and intimately unique experiences, and are a very good representation of the Queensland tourism industry.”
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the awards would be a positive end to a year that has been tough for much of the State’s tourism industry.
“It has been a tough year for the tourism industry in Queensland but, from the near record number of nominations we have already received, it is clear these tourism operators have been eagerly getting back to business,” Mr Gschwind said.
“Our tourism operators are focused on drawing attention not only to their individual businesses, but to their region and their State through the Queensland Tourism Awards.
“It is inspiring to see the resilience of our tourism industry, with businesses and regions banding together to show the rest of the world just how much we have to offer here in Queensland.”
Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt said the Queensland Tourism Awards were always anticipated by the industry and a fantastic way to recognise outstanding Queensland tourism operators.
“Our industry leaders are constantly striving to enhance visitor experiences and keep Queensland at the top of the ‘must do’ list so I think it is incredibly important that we recognise the companies who are pushing the envelope or achieving great things,” Ms Jarratt said.
“Tourism is a vital driver for Queensland’s economy and, with the tourism industry having faced a tough start to the year, the awards are an important way of rewarding exceptional tourism businesses for the outstanding product and service they’ve offered throughout the year.
“I wish all the finalists the best in the lead-up to the Queensland tourism industry’s night of nights.”
The Queensland Tourism Awards 2011 mark the 27th year of the largest and most highly regarded tourism awards.
The awards cover the largest cross-section of tourism industries in Queensland, and are hosted by QTIC, in partnership with Tourism Queensland, on Friday, November 4 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.