Thursday, October 16, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Whitsundays Set to Shine at 2025 Tourism Awards This Weekend!

The Whitsundays tourism industry will be in the spotlight this weekend as the 2025 Whitsundays Tourism Awards take place on Saturday evening at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

Presented by Tourism Whitsundays, the annual event recognises and celebrates excellence across the region’s tourism sector — from world-class accommodation and immersive experiences to culinary offerings and unforgettable adventures.

This year’s event carries the theme A Night of Stars, promising an evening of glamour, recognition, and community spirit. Guests will arrive from 5:30pm, dressed in formal attire with a touch of sparkle, to honour the people and businesses who continue to elevate the Whitsundays as one of Australia’s most desirable destinations.

In a significant shift from previous years, the 2025 awards adopt a new judging format, with winners determined by data from the Best of Queensland Experience Program. This approach places customer satisfaction and real-world business performance at the centre of the evaluation process, reflecting a commitment to rewarding authentic, high-quality visitor experiences.

A remarkable 93 local businesses have been recognised as finalists across 14 award categories, demonstrating the depth, diversity, and continued strength of the Whitsundays’ tourism industry. Of the 123 tourism products from the region assessed under the Best of Queensland program, an impressive 50 received a perfect score of 100 — a clear indicator of the exceptional standards being delivered across the board.

The Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) provides a fitting backdrop for the event, with its modern facilities and versatile space ensuring a seamless experience for attendees. After the formal proceedings conclude, guests will be transported back to Airlie Beach, where the celebrations will continue into the night at Paddy’s Shenanigans, complete with live music and a lively, festive atmosphere.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO and industry leaders have emphasised the importance of the event as not just a celebration of success, but a reflection of the region’s resilience, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.

As the industry prepares to gather for this major event, the Whitsundays community extends its congratulations and best wishes to all finalists. Their dedication plays a vital role in attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

Turn to the next pages for our special feature highlighting the nominees and the businesses shaping the future of Whitsundays tourism. In next weeks' edition, the winners will be announced.

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