Local tourism sets sights on state award

Southern Downs’ Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park will be representing the Southern Queensland Country region as tourism businesses from across Queensland vie for state recognition in the 2012 Queensland Tourism Awards, proudly presented by Queensland Airports Limited.
Killarney View is hoping for a win in the Tourist and Caravan Parks category when the Queensland Tourism Awards are announced in November.
Killarney View Co-Owner Trudy Grant said that visitor numbers to the Park have increased 30% on the previous year in the wake of post-floods recovery efforts.
“2011-12 has been a huge year for us, we have recently installed a new solar system, developed new luxury cottages onsite and refreshed our website and logo,” Ms Grant said.
“To win the Queensland Tourism Award would have a positive impact on our business and would be recognition of our contribution to the tourism industry.”
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the awards would mark the end of a year focused on recovery for the tourism industry.
“2012 has been a year of recovery and rebuilding, following the natural disasters that impacted Queensland so severely in 2011,” Mr Gschwind said.
“Local tourism operators have displayed amazing resilience and commitment, working through these tough times to rebuild their businesses and strengthen the tourism industry as a whole.
“The calibre of applicants for this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards is extremely high and together they represent the best that Queensland has to offer to the world.”
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey congratulated entrants who had nominated for this year’s awards.
“The Queensland Tourism Awards once again have proved to be a catalyst for drawing out and promoting excellence within the tourism industry and giving judges a really tough task when making their final decisions.
“Everyone who has chosen to nominate from across our great state has exhibited a dedication and commitment to improve their business and level of service, and that is to be commended.
“The Newman Government has recognised tourism as one of the four pillars of our Queensland economy and is keen to work closely in partnership with the industry to make Queensland Australia’s number one tourism destination.
“I look forward to joining you on your night of nights at the Gala Awards Dinner in November and wish everyone the best of luck.”
The Queensland Tourism Awards 2012, proudly presented by Queensland Airports Limited (QAL), marks the 28th year of the largest and most highly regarded tourism awards in the state.
The Awards cover the largest cross-section of tourism industries in Queensland, and are hosted by QTIC, in partnership with Tourism Queensland, on Friday 23 November at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
QTIC is the State’s peak body for tourism. The Council is a not-for-profit membership organisation representing members’ interests – both large and small. QTIC has in excess of 3,000 regional members, operating in all sectors of the tourism industry.
For more information on Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park, please visit www.killarneyview.com.au.