General News
22 April, 2021
Far North Queensland towns named as finalists for top tourism awards
THREE Far North towns and two others based further inland have been announced as finalists in a state tourism competition that recognizes and showcases towns that regularly provide outstanding visitor experiences across the state.
THREE Far North towns and two others based further inland have been announced as finalists in a state tourism competition that recognizes and showcases towns that regularly provide outstanding visitor experiences across the state.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) confirmed Mareeba as a finalist in the large top tourism town category, (over 5000 people) and it will need to overcome towns such as Townsville, Noosa and Bundaberg to secure the major prize of an Earthcheck $25,000 strategic consulting and capacity building package.
Karumba, Georgetown, Yungaburra and Kuranda (under 5000 people) are small top tourism town finalists and stand to win a $7,500 Tourism Group, tourism consultancy and development package if they overcome rivals such as Airlie Beach, Agnes Water 1770 and others.
“It’s very exciting that Mareeba has been confirmed as a large top town finalist,” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin toldThe Express.
“We have a very friendly town that is an ideal destination to work, live and visit.
“I also want to thoroughly commend Kuranda, as well, just as much for being confirmed as a small top town finalist – Kuranda is a wonderful town to visit and explore.”
Kuranda’s confirmation as a small-town finalist is certain to be welcome publicity for the ‘village in the rainforest’ with members of the local Traders’ Association making a concerted recent push to promote the small tourist mecca to potential future visitors from Queensland and interstate.
Both winners will be determined by a public vote with voting now open until April 26. Those who take the time to vote can win a $2,000 Apollo Motorhome travel package.
QTIC Chief Executive, Daniel Gschwind said the Awards highlight the great and diverse destinations across Queensland. “With the current focus on domestic tourism, now is the time to draw attention to our regional destinations and to put the spotlight on our tourism operators and communities who keep our regions thriving,” Mr Gschwind told The Express.
“We have towns from as far north as Mareeba, to the coast of Rainbow Beach and out west to Longreach which shows the amazingly diverse tourism landscape we have right here in our backyard.
“It is now up to the public to tell us who they think should be crowned the top tourism town of Queensland, which is a challenging task, with so many worthy contenders.”
