BRISBANE BUSINESSES TAKE HOME HOST OF TOURISM AWARDS

BRISBANE has scooped 17 accolades at the Queensland Tourism Awards, with the River City the second highest awarded group of businesses in the state.

Tourism operators from the Brisbane region took home seven gold, five silver, five bronze and one Hall of Fame award.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind says the event recognises the importance of tourism in driving economic growth.

“The Queensland Tourism Awards give businesses and individuals an opportunity to take pride in their contributions to the industry, raise the standard of quality tourism experiences throughout the state and strive for ongoing improvements to achieve our tourism goals,” Gschwind says.

“Tourism has been through its fair share of challenges, yet the industry’s commitment and passion has helped it remain resilient and strong – this is what has made Queensland tourism what it is today.”

Award recipients include Woodford Folk Festival, Museum of Brisbane, XXXX Brewery, TAFE Queensland Brisbane and Fun Over Fifty.

Emporium Hotel was inducted into the Hall of Fame, after winning Best Luxury Accommodation for the third year running.

Emporium Hotel general manager Peter Savoff says the recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and commitment to the brand.

“Honours like this do not come easily in a state famous for excellence in tourism, and we are humbled and thrilled at the same time,” Savoff says.

“This vision and courage has paid off for not only the team, but for Brisbane as an exciting international city, and for the state of Queensland. We could not be more proud.”

Eighty organisational awards and two individual awards were presented at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre last week.

Now in its 30th year, the awards are presented by Queensland Airports Limited and Tourism and Events Queensland.