Mackay's Tourism Triumphs At Queensland Awards

After another ground-breaking year for Queensland tourism operators, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Queensland Tourism Awards were back with Mackay businesses bringing home two silver and one bronze awards for the region.

At the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards, Sarina Sugar Shed won Silver for Excellence in Food Tourism while The FLACKYARD won Silver for Best Tourism Restaurant. Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre celebrated with a Bronze Award in the Business Event Venues category.

Also putting their products under the spotlight as nominees at the state awards were Isaac Regional Council's St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event, Friends of the MECC, Country Roads Motor Inn Dysart, Oh Deere Farm Stays and Windmill Motel & Event Centre.  All tourism operators completed a rigorous submission process to nominate for the Queensland Tourism Awards.

In the past financial year, Mackay broke its record for annual overnight visitor expenditure, reaching $751.3 million – a 22.5 per cent average increase compared to the previous financial year.

Spend per visitor also increased by 19.2 per cent in the last financial year and over the past three years, visitation has increased by 2.2 per cent to 1.1 million.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Chief Executive Officer Brett Fraser congratulated the region on its success at the awards ceremony following a huge year of record-breaking tourism results.

“Congratulations to Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre for receiving the Bronze award for Business Event Venues,” Mr Fraser said. “This is the second year in a row that they have been named a winner in this category which is a testament to the services they provide.

“Another massive congratulations to Sarina Sugar Shed for winning Silver in the Excellence in food Tourism category and The FLACKYARD for winning Silver in the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category.

“It’s great to see so many tourists flocking to Mackay, proving the region is a serious player in the Queensland tourism industry.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Al Grundy said, "It is so exciting to be at the Queensland Tourism Awards supporting our local businesses who put their heart and soul into making the visitor experience a memorable one every day of the year!

“On behalf of our region and the team, I want to say congratulations, and in our eyes you are all winners.”

The workers and businesses behind these awards gathered at the Cairns Exhibition Centre on 24 November for a night of tropical glamour and recognition for all their hard work in the Queensland tourism industry for the past year.

There were 31 award categories ranging from attractions, events, tour and transport operators, accommodation, restaurants, culture and marketing. Across the 31 categories, 78 operators were awarded including 31 Gold, 26 Silver and 20 Bronze.

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Some of the Tourism Queensland Award winners with Queensland Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Al Grundy, Deputy Mayor Karen May and Councillor Michelle Green joined representatives from the Sarina Sugar Shed and the MECC in celebrating wins at the Queensland Tourism Awards

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