Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Australian Tourism Awards Tonight!

The best of the best tourism operators from across Australia will come together this evening to vie for prestigious National Tourism Awards which is being held in the Sunshine Coast.

There are 24 Queensland operators participating, three of which are local Whitsunday businesses.

Red Cat Adventures are aiming for gold and a lucrative place in the ‘Hall of Fame’ which could be theirs if they win Best Major Tour and Transport Operators in 2022, notching up three consecutive years they have been awarded this title.

Pinnacles Resort won gold for the Best Self-Contained Accommodation in 2021 and are hoping to take home the same again this year.

Similarly, the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort was awarded gold in the 5-Star Accommodation category in 2021 and are looking to replicate that achievement again.

Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures said that she is excited but also nervous about the awards.

“I have mixed emotions, just being nominated is an amazing achievement but winning gold and getting a place in the national ‘Hall of Fame’ would be a mike-drop moment – if that happened it would be the absolute highlight of our entire business career,” she said.

“These awards are very different to State because we are all there rooting for Queensland, the more gold we get for Queensland, the better it is for tourism – it’s an absolute honour to represent our region with these guys!”

Therese Moran from Pinnacles Resort said they are honoured and really excited to be representing Queensland.

“It has been a tough couple of years, however, we are looking forward to celebrating the

resilience of our industry,” she said.

It really wouldn't be possible without our hardworking and dedicated team who strive to ensure that all guests have a wonderful holiday experience.”

Tourism Whitsunday CEO Rick Hamilton said that being recognised on a national stage is a significant achievement and shines a spotlight on our iconic destination.

“Three cheers for InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Pinnacles Resort and Red Cat Adventures for Friday evening – let’s bring some gold home!” he said.

Red Cat Adventures aiming for double ‘Hall of Fame’ tonight

The team at Pinnacles going for gold again

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