The team at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort are still celebrating following multiple gold wins at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards held on Saturday night at Daydream Island Resort.

The Whitsunday tourism industry’s gala night saw the popular local resort win gold in the ‘Excellence in Accessible Tourism’ and ‘Caravan and Holiday Parks’ categories, with the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team also taking home the consumer-voted ‘People’s Choice Award for Accommodation’. With wins across three categories, the two latter categories also received recognition with Hall of Fame status, after winning gold for the past three consecutive years.

CEO Phil Casey, who attended the awards with 20 of the resort’s 80-plus staff, reflected on the team’s success on the night. “Being recognised with five awards was truly incredible. The two Hall of Fame awards reflect the ongoing dedication and professionalism of our team, year in and year out. They are genuinely passionate about creating memorable experiences, while offering a true Australian family holiday, and we’ve taken significant steps to promote an inclusive, accessible, warm, and welcoming atmosphere for our guests,” said Mr Casey.

He continued, “Of course, we wholeheartedly thank our guests, industry partners and those who voted for us in the People's Choice Awards category. Our entire team are extremely proud of these awards, and we extend our congratulations to all the other winners, finalists and entrants on the night, who should all be very proud of their products and the many incredible holiday experiences we offer collectively as a region.”

Proudly owned by the McKinnon family for over 31 years, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort’s latest achievements represent the exceptional customer service and quality accommodation and facilities the resort is renowned for.  In addition to new cabin inventory, this past year has also seen the opening of dedicated school dorm accommodation, the Bunk House, as well as further development of the resort’s accessible offerings.

Without ruining any surprises, Mr Casey hinted at some exciting new developments in the near future.

“Over the past 31 years, the McKinnon family have developed the resort from scratch and continue to reinvest, so there’s no surprises when I say that there are some more exciting new additions on track for 2025 and beyond.”

In November, the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team will head to the Queensland Tourism Awards in Brisbane, where the resort’s nomination in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category could also result in Hall of Fame status after winning gold in this category on a state and national level over the past two years.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a relaxed, family friendly environment with an extensive range of quality facilities and services, gorgeous cabins and happy, helpful staff. Set amongst 10 hectares of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, the resort caters for a variety of budgets with a wide range of accommodation options from camping and caravanning sites to luxury, three-bedroom condos. With over 15 onsite activities including a big, huge, mega waterslide park, lagoon style pool, mini golf, outdoor cinema, jumping pillows, animal park, Kid’s Club, year-round activities program and much more, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers the ultimate holiday escape. The resort is located in Airlie Beach and has easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsunday Islands and a vast array of trips, water activities and truly memorable Australian holiday adventures. For more information visit www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au

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The BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team celebrating their wins.

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A highly celebrated and beloved business in the Whitsunday region and beyond, Bird’s Fish Bar has been honorably awarded the title of 2024 Bowen Business of the Year.

Having won the title of Bowen Business of the Year at last year’s Whitsunday’s Tourism Awards, Bird’s Fish Bar has excitingly become familiar with the prestigious honor. On Saturday evening, Bird’s Fish Bar manager and director, Chloé Bauer and her partner attended the awards ceremony on behalf of the business, and in celebration, of the amazing achievement, the shop closed early last Thursday evening (24 October) while the staff enjoyed dinner and drinks at a local venue.

“The award validates the efforts of three generations of our family and team who have worked tirelessly to make this business what it is today,” shared Chloé.

“It’s a proud moment because it highlights how our “boat-to-plate” philosophy and the personal touch we bring to everything we do resonate with visitors and locals alike.

“For the team, this reflects our passion and commitment, and it motivates us to keep raising the bar in the future – it’s a reminder that we’re not just running a business, but we’re also helping put Bowen on the map as a must-visit destination for fresh seafood and a unique dining experience.”

Chloé and the team at Bird’s Fish Bar expressed a huge thank you and gratitude to their incredible customers and suppliers for their support over the years and congratulated all the nominees of the evening last Saturday.

“A huge thank you to our incredible customers and suppliers for supporting us over the years, and to all the organisers and sponsors of this special event - this award belongs to our amazing team and fishermen whose hard work and dedication help us bring the ultimate boat to plate experience.”

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The team from Birds Fish Bar collecting their award.

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The Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) team were very proud to win three awards at the 2024 Tourism Whitsundays gala event and be inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Visitor Services category.

Chair of BTB, Jenn Honnery said to win Gold for the third year in a row was a very proud moment for the team and the organisation.

“We were also very pleased that our dedicated team of volunteers also took out the silver award in their category,” she said.

In the Business Awards, BTB was named the winner in the Excellence in Customer Service category.
“We pride ourselves on our customer service at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, so this award really capped off a great year for the team,” she said.

“It is testament to their dedication, and we were proud to be recognised.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was an honour to accept the awards on behalf of such a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

She thanked the team and also the committee, the members, the Whitsundays Regional Council and Tourism Whitsundays.

BTB welcomed a record number of visitors in the past financial year.

The organisation operates the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango, just 5km south of Bowen and also the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

AWARDS
Hall of Fame – Visitor Information Services category.
Excellence in Customer Service in the Business Awards – Winner.
Visitor Information Services – Gold.
Outstanding contribution by volunteers – Silver.

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Bowen Tourism happy to have received their award.

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Collinsville Hardware is a proud independent hardware store, providing a comprehensive selection of home improvement and hardware products for all your home and weekend projects. Last Saturday, the business celebrated a significant achievement by winning a silver award for Collinsville Business of the Year at the Whitsunday Business Awards.
This is the first time that Collinsville Hardware has received an award, and they explained that they were extremely happy and proud to have received the award.
Peter, John and Joey Bosca of Collinsville Hardware explained that what makes their business grow is the continual support from the community.  
Collinsville Hardware has been owned and operated by the Bosca Family for over 40 years.
“We are very grateful to the people of Collinsville and the surrounding areas who continuously support our store.”
While the team were not able to attend the Tourism and Business Awards at the weekend, they explained how they are happy to see that small towns like Collinsville are being recognised for their contribution to the tourism industry within the region, especially with initiatives like the 72-hour free camping at the Collinsville Showgrounds.

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Coral Sea Resort recently celebrated a remarkable achievement at the prestigious Tourism Awards, where it proudly earned a Silver 4.5 Star designation for its exceptional Deluxe Accommodation. Additionally, the resort was honoured as the Whitsunday Business of the Year for Marina Resort, further highlighting its commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.
This marks a significant milestone as it is the first award won under the management of Dawn Romanella:
“It’s a testament to the dedication of our team and our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our guests. This achievement inspires us to continue delivering outstanding service and unforgettable stays at our resort,” Dawn explained.

There were 20 people from the team in attendance across both businesses on the night and they were all very excited to receive their award.

Dawn explained that what makes their business shine is their unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for creating memorable moments:

“We focus on quality, personalized service, and celebrating the natural beauty of our surroundings. Our team’s commitment to excellence, combined with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensures that every guest feels special and valued, making their stay truly unforgettable.”

Dawn Romanella explained what makes their venue unique:

“Coral Sea Resort is more than just a place to stay—it's a destination that celebrates the natural beauty and vibrant community of the Whitsundays.”

“Beyond our luxurious amenities and stunning views, we’re committed to creating memorable experiences, supporting local businesses, and fostering sustainable tourism. We’re not just about hospitality; we’re about connecting our guests with the heart of this incredible region.”

Coral Sea resort wanted to thank their dedicated team for their hard work and passion, alongside the local community and guests who continually support them, and their partners who help them create unforgettable experiences.

Dawn stated that other tourism industry operators looking to enter the awards, should definitely do so:

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your achievements and inspire growth within your business. The experience of being recognized and sharing your story is invaluable. Go for it!”

Coral Sea Resort explained how they are grateful for the Whitsundays community and explained how it was an enjoyable night seeing the rest of the tourism industry’s achievements:

“We’re honoured to be part of such a vibrant and supportive tourism community. It’s truly inspiring to see the passion and innovation across the Whitsundays, and we’re excited about what the future holds for all of us."

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Coral Sea Resort with their awards

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The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors received notable recognition at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards over the weekend, winning Gold for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group.
Volunteer Cruise Ship Coordinator Lyn Blanche Woodham attended the awards and really enjoyed the evening:
“It was an extraordinary evening,” she said.

“We were thrilled to win the Gold Award. It means so much to all the volunteers to be recognised.”

The Cruise Ship Ambassadors’ aim is to greet every cruise ship that comes to Airlie Beach and engage with as many visitors as possible:
“We want to ensure that every passenger has the best experience in their short time here,” Lyn shared.
Alongside winning the prestigious award it is also their 20th anniversary year:
“This was a very special present.
“We also greeted our millionth cruise ship visitor earlier this year!”

Lyn Blanche Woodham said the Cruise Ambassadors would like to thank the Whitsundays Regional Council for their ongoing support, and Tourism Whitsundays for all their practical help on a day-to-day basis, including Dea who goes above and beyond for the group.
Dea Huvonen, Visitor Services Manager at Tourism Whitsundays stated that people looking to enter the awards, should definitely do so:
“It is a beautiful and great way to showcase the fantastic work your team is doing the whole year long!”
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Volunteers Cruise Ship Ambassadors will celebrate their 20th anniversary at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. All current and past stakeholders and volunteers are invited to join the festivities.
For details, contact The Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre: info@tourismwhitsundays.com.au or call 07 4945 3967.

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Cruise Ship Ambassador Lyn Blanche Woodham and Dea Huvonen from Tourism Whitsundays accepting the award.

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Cruise Whitsundays is proud to announce its Gold wins for Tourist Attraction and Unique Accommodation at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, held at Daydream Island. These wins also mark Cruise Whitsundays' induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame for Unique Accommodation, following three consecutive Gold victories in this category.

The Tourist Attraction award recognises Cruise Whitsundays' iconic Reefworld Pontoon and the incredible experiences it offers, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. The Unique Accommodation award celebrates the exceptional Reefstays experience, which includes Reefsleep and Reefsuites, offering guests the rare opportunity to sleep under the stars or beneath the water, surrounded by the beauty of the reef.

General Manager, Renee Branton-Brown, emphasised the critical role of the team in achieving these awards.

“These awards are not just a recognition of our products but of the people behind them. The passion and dedication of our entire team are what truly make these experiences special for our guests. Whether it’s the welcoming guests on board, ensuring smooth operations, or the staff on the pontoons delivering memorable reef experiences, every individual plays an essential role in our success.

“I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Our team has faced challenges, adapted, and continued to deliver exceptional experiences year after year. These awards, and our induction into the Hall of Fame, are a testament to their hard work and resilience. I feel fortunate to lead such a talented group and look forward to what we’ll continue to achieve together.”

Sales and Marketing Manager, Liza Muller, reflected on the significance of these wins for both the business and the wider tourism industry.

“Winning Gold in these categories and being inducted into the Hall of Fame for Unique Accommodation is an incredible milestone for us, especially as we celebrate 20 years in this remarkable region. It demonstrates the value of what we offer in the Whitsundays and reinforces our commitment to consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences. This recognition solidifies our place as a leader in the region, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Liza continued, “We also want to acknowledge the effort that goes into the submission process. It’s no easy task, and it’s done alongside the demands of daily operations. We congratulate everyone who dedicated their time and effort, and a special congratulations to our fellow award winners. These awards truly highlight the talent and strength of the Whitsundays tourism industry. We’re excited to cheer on all the Whitsunday operators and businesses at the upcoming Queensland Tourism Awards!”

As Cruise Whitsundays celebrates its 20th year of operation in the region, these prestigious awards are a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to delivering world-class experiences at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

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The Whitsunday Tourism Awards was a vibrant and invigorating affair where the movers and shakers of the local tourism industry came together to celebrate their successes.

Held at Daydream Island, the event was Emceed by winner of ‘the best job in the world’ Ben Southall and in attendance on the night were Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox with his wife Raylene, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Mayor Ry Collins and his wife Mel and Candidate for the One Nation Party, Julie Hall.

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Photo credit: R Jean Photography

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival has reached Hall of Fame level after winning the Gold award for ‘Festivals and Events’ at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards last Saturday.

Festival Chairwoman Margie Murphy said four long-term committee members attended the event but did so on behalf of everyone that help put the festival together.

“We were incredibly proud to accept the awards on behalf of all the volunteers, sponsors, artists, council personnel and community members who all work together to bring this festival to life every year,” she said.

“We are particularly proud to have the festival inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is a great achievement for our small but dedicated committee and a testament to how important the event is to our region.

“It was great to share the moment with many of our sponsors who were also award winners which goes to show the calibre and number of people who work on bringing this beloved event to life every year.”

The Great Barrier Reef Festival’s uniqueness shines as it is the only Great Barrier Reef Festival in the world. It is an important event because it showcases the Whitsunday community and highlights all that our region has to offer, as being at the ‘Heart of the Great Barrier Reef’.

The Great Barrier Reef Festival is a not-for-profit event run by a small volunteer committee who contribute countless hours in the planning of the event annually, providing locals and visitors alike with an exceptional festival that the Whitsunday community can be proud of.

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Great Barrier Reef Festival Team win gold!

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At the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards Grand View Hotel in Bowen came away with a Bronze prize in the ‘Contribution by a Volunteer or Group’ category, and were also a finalist in the ‘Excellence in Food Tourism’ category.

It’s not the first time Grand View Hotel has been nominated for the prestigious awards, in 2019 they were a Finalist in the ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group’. In 2022 they won Silver in ther same category.

Grand View Hotel Manager Emma Heiniger said the nominations showcase how hard the team work.

“It’s an absolute honour to be nominated for the awards as it showcases and gives recognition to just how hard the team has worked throughout the year to provide amazing customer service and fabulous produce,” said Emma.

“We had three staff members attend Daydream Island, and were very proud to receive the awards that we were nominated for.

“The customer service at Grand View Hotel is always a step above with the staff always being vibrant and inviting.”

Grand View Hotel has an outstanding location, including a grand view of Bowen’s spectacular front beach and iconic jetty.

The food at Grand View Hotel offer a taste of the Whitsundays and they go a step above the average pub meal by using local produce.

The inside décor of the hotel matches the location and gives off a costal meets country aesthetic that is extremely inviting.

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Iconic Whitsunday Adventures was honourably recognised for their exceptional levels of customer service and operations at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards evening on Saturday where they were awarded the Gold title for Tour and Transport Operator.

Having celebrated winning the same award in 2023, receiving the outstanding title for the second time last weekend was an honour Nicole and her team are beyond proud of their achievement.

“We had a small contingent of crew join us on the night, which was wonderful to share this win with them,” explained Nicole.

“As a small business, this achievement means so much as it’s a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our team and winning this award for the second year in a row reinforces our commitment to creating unique guest experiences and inspires us to continue building our business.”

A small family business, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures sees Nicole and her dedicated team wear many hats each day to ensure smooth sailing across the board whilst delivering exceptional experiences for their customers to enjoy.

“Our business shines through our commitment to creating exceptional, personalised experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests,” said Nicole.

“We offer a diverse range of adventures, from sailing on the heritage yacht, Lady Enid, to exhilarating jet boat rides on Viper, and relaxing sunset cruises on Sundowner.”

In understanding the tastes of each guest, Nicole and her crew work to ensure each tour is carefully crafted to ensure guests have an enjoyable, and memorable experience during their visit to the Whitsundays, whether they are seeking tranquillity or adrenaline.

“What truly sets us apart is our attention to detail and the passion our team brings to their work.

We take pride in going above and beyond to exceed guest expectations, from the quality of service onboard to the knowledge we share about the beautiful Whitsundays and its rich culture.

This dedication coupled with our drive to innovate and improve continuously, is what we believe helped us win this award.”

Along with providing guests with unforgettable experiences, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures operates with a deep commitment to supporting the local community and protecting the natural environment.

“As a business, we priortise sustainable tourism practices and strive to minimize our environmental footprint, whether through our eco-friendly operations or by raising awareness about the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands.”

Nicole believes winning the Gold title for Tour and Transport Operator perfectly captures and recognises the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices herself and her crew have made along the way, with the award standing as a reminder to continue reaching new levels of success each day.

“It reminds us why we push so hard every day, fuelling our motivation to continue pursuing our goals, and growing our business, and this accolade is not only a personal triumph, but a testament to the passion of our entire team as it’s not only a recognition of our success but also a reminder of the importance of engaging our team in everything we do, ensuring they feel valued and part of the journey.”

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The Whitsundays original and most awarded tour operator, Ocean Rafting, continues to shine gold over the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays after taking home several awards at the 2024 Whitsundays Tourism Awards!
Ocean Rafting celebrated its 28th birthday at the gala industry awards on Daydream Island, winning gold in 'Major Tour & Transport' and silver in 'Adventure Tourism.' The team was also recognized as the Whitsundays favourite tourism experience in the consumer-voted 'People’s Choice Award.' With three consecutive golds in 'Major Tour & Transport' and three in 'People’s Choice,' they entered the Hall of Fame.
Peter and Jan Claxton, owners of Ocean Rafting for 28 years, and sons Cole and Kerr Claxton alongside 34 passionate Ocean Rafting staff represented the family owned and operated business at the celebrations.
Kerr, Ocean Rafting's operations manager, explained, "Tourism is an amazing industry; however, it is a seven-day-a-week operation, and a lot of time and effort is required to ensure operation runs as smoothly as possible. This operation would not be what it is today without a fantastic team.
"I'd also like to thank and acknowledge Tourism Whitsundays, and everyone involved for putting on yet another fantastic Tourism Awards event. It allows us operators to get together and celebrate an incredible industry."
Jan Claxton, owner of Ocean Rafting, “Could not be prouder” of the Ocean Rafting Teams efforts at the 2024 awards.

“Being family-owned and operated allows us to be agile and efficient when making on-the-go decisions. This translates to our team feeling empowered and responsible for their choices, ideas, and actions,” said Jan.

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Good things come in three’s – Ocean Rafting enters the Hall of Fame!

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Party Cakes Whitsunday won gold in the ‘Excellence In Food Tourism’ category at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards.

It isn’t the first time Party Cakes Whitsundays has won an award, they were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Owner Vhari Kelly said to win this year meant a lot to her, especially because she runs a small business.

“I am very proud of what I have achieved as the sole employee and operator of my business,” she said.

Vhari is a qualified pastry chef and defines herself as a perfectionist and she will not supply a customer with a product unless she is happy with it herself.

“I will not deliver a cake to a client that is not 100% quality inside and out,” said Vhari.

“Even if it means starting a whole cake again from scratch to achieve that.

“I will also go above and beyond to make the whole process from ordering to eating of your cake as easy and enjoyable as possible.”

All her hard work is a testament to the value she brings to the Whitsunday food space.

“I would like to thank my many returning customers who come back each year to order their kids birthday cakes. But a lot of thanks also goes to my family who support me and my business, and often assist with deliveries and cake pick-ups when I am unable.”

Party Cakes Whitsunday creates delicious cakes for every occasion, with gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free options. They also offer sweet treat platters featuring sugar cookies, biscuits, indulgent slices, and profiteroles.

Enjoy your next event with a cake from an award-winning bakery.

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Owner of Party Cakes Whitsunday Vhari Kelly with her award accompanied by her husband Zak Kelly

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“It’s like winning a Grand Final,” shared Paul Tuddenham, manager of Peninsula Airlie Beach, and beyond proud and grateful recipient of the Whitsundays Tourism Awards 2024 Best of Queensland Accommodation title.

Peninsula Airlie Beach proudly welcomes families and tourists to their 5-star establishment to enjoy a memorable visit to the Whitsundays. Paul, Francine and their dedicated staff have been honourably awarded numerous titles over the past 3 ½ years in recognition of their exceptional levels of customer service and the experience they provide their guests.

This includes; ARAMA Resident Manager of the Year (2022), Tourism Whitsunday Customer Service Award (2022), Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award (2022, 2023 and 2024), the Queensland Tourism 2024 Gold List of Australian Accommodation 5 Star Rating, and now the 2024 Best of Queensland Accommodation Award.

“We are really thrilled to win this award, to receive any award is a real achievement,” said Paul.

“All successful service businesses set out to provide excellent customer service,to be the best they can be, and to keep improving to maintain that level of service.

To receive an award is an achievement for all the work that gets done, the time, and money invested in the business, it is a real highlight for us, and something we can proudly display to our owners and guests.”

Paul and Francine believe receiving this award perfectly highlights the work of their staff, explaining they are extremely fortunate to have people like Lex, Dorothy, Martie and her team at Eco Clean, working hard every day to ensure the grounds, administration, and accommodation reflects the highest possible standard.

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Delighted and proud winners!

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Pinnacles Airlie Beach was celebrated for their commitment to upholding exceptional levels of hospitality and customer service at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards where Therese and the team received the Gold Award for Self Contained Accommodation.

“This year, we achieved the Hall of Fame with three consecutive wins in this category, and we were over the moon to receive the Gold Award,” shared Therese.

The luxury accommodation facility is situated on Golden Orchid Drive, and prides itself on operating with each of their apartments individually owned. Located 300m from the heart of Airlie Beach, the accommodation serves as a popular destination for honeymooners and couples, with many enjoying the magnificent views and touch of romance fostered by the balcony’s jacuzzi.

“We recognise that every one of our guests have different requirements to make their holiday experience the best for them,” she shared.

We are continually trying to evolve and be innovative with the experience we offer our guests, and in the last two years in particular, we have had a huge focus on sustainability.”

Pinnacles Airlie Beach shared a warm thank you to all their staff who endeavour to make each and every guest’s stay with the facility memorable, explaining this award perfectly captures the level of service they work to achieve.

“The awards process although can seem a little daunting, is very rewarding and it continues to make us review and improve our processes,” said Therese.

“The awards night is a whole lot of fun and a great way for industry to get together and celebrate.”

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