Last Saturday saw tourism operators from across the region come together for the first formal awards ceremony in the Whitsundays in two years.
The last event of its kind took place in 2019, and industry leaders were thrilled to be back celebrating their achievements amongst their peers.
Held in a big-top at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, the Whitsunday Tourism Awards saw 330 guests dressed to impress in a circus-themed black-tie dress code.
A total of 24 awards were handed out on the night and Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton, said it was great to celebrate the significant contribution the tourism industry makes to the Whitsundays region.
‘The process of compiling an awards submission isn’t an easy feat and it was designed this way to encourage operators to really look at what they are doing in their business and how that flows onto the customers, locals and region,’ said Mr Hamilton.
‘We have one of the most cohesive and successful tourism industries in the country, this night is an example of that, everyone is here celebrating their achievements, their competitors’ achievements and the overall achievements of the tourism industry.’
Mayor Julie Hall also attended the awards and congratulated the winners.
“The awards night was all about our amazing tourism stakeholders and honouring their efforts to make the Whitsundays the most popular tourism destination in Australia and the world,” she said.
“I am proud of the collaborative and productive working relationship my Council has formed with Tourism Whitsundays.
“We will continue investing in improved infrastructure across the region to position the Whitsundays for strong future growth in tourism.”
Mackay and Whitsunday Life Advertising Account Manager Mike McCann with his partner Demie Wigham
