The 2023 North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards was held last week, acknowledging the incredible work of the tourism and events industry and the important role this sector plays in our local economy.
In a year of records and firsts, the People’s Choice Award categories which has grown in number to cater for the evolution of new products and experiences, has attracted more than 31,000 public votes which is a record for this event and a great show of support for the industry.
Additionally, this year Townsville Enterprise Limited (TEL) welcomed their first Hall of Fame recipient with the award going to Texas Longhorn Tours who have won the Tours, Attractions and Experiences category for three-years running. Honouring their passionate contribution to the industry, Mick and Lynda Bethel from Texas Longhorn Tours were also awarded the coveted Richard Power Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual acknowledging their extraordinary personal and professional achievement and contribution to the local tourism and events industry.
Individual awards were also presented to the Young Achiever, going to Georgie Arnold from Townsville Helicopters; and the Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer awarded to Rini Dallavanzi from the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre
In honour of his profound contribution to the Townsville North Queensland community, and support of the regional tourism sector – the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Steve ‘Pricey’ Price who retires from his 32-year radio tenure at the end of this year, honoured with a golden mango trophy.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners of the 2023 North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards.
The full list of categories and winners can be found below, along with a slideshow of images from the event.
Accomodation – Hotel
Winner: The Ville Resort-CasinoAccomodation – Motel
Winner: Kernow Charters TowersAccomodation – Caravan & Holiday Parks
Winner: Townsville Eco ResortDining – Restaurant
Winner: ShorehouseDining – Cafe & Casual Dining
Winner: Hervey’s Range Heritage RoomsTours, Attractions & Experiences
Winner: Texas Longhorns Tours
Entered into Hall of FameBars, Breweries & Distilleries
Winner: Townsville Brewing Co.Business Conferencing Venue
Winner: The Ville Resort-CasinoTransport & Hire Services
Winner: SeaLink QueenslandBest Major Event
Winner: Women’s State of Origin
(Townsville 2023)
Queensland Country Bank StadiumBest Destination Event
Winner: SeaLink Magnetic Island Race WeekNew Tourism Business or Experience
Winner: Pilgrim Adventures –
Pilgrim Magnetic IslandExcellence in Accessible Tourism
Winner: North Australian Festival of ArtsExcellence in Sustainability
Winner: Aquascene Magnetic Island100% Best of Queensland Score
Big Mama Sailing
BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Rowes Bay
Billabong Sanctuary
Discovery Parks – Townsville
Orpheus Island Lodge100% Best of Queensland Score
SeaLink Queensland
Tasman Holiday Parks – Rollingstone
The Ville Resort-Casino
Townsville Eco ResortOutstanding Contribution by a Volunteer
Winner: Rini Dallavanzi
Hinchinbrook Visitor Information CentreYoung Achiever Award
Winner: Georgie Arnold
Townsville Helicopters & Aviatrix AustraliaRichard Power Award for
Outstanding Contribution
Winner: Mick & Lynda Bethel
Texas Longhorn ToursLifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Steve ‘Pricey’ Price
Click here for the full gallery (note this link will redirect to the Townsville Enterprise Facebook page.
Main image (L-R): Mick and Lynda Bethel from Texas Longhorn Tours.
Image credits: Vetta Creative – used with permission by Townsville Enterprise Limited.
If you’ve recently held a business event and want to share some photos – please click here for our submission form.
