Tickets are now on sale for the 2013 Moreton Bay and Islands Tourism Awards’ gala dinner on July 18 at the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC).
This year’s winners will be named across 15 categories – from ecotourism and festival and events, to adventure tourism, deluxe accommodation and excellence in food tourism.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the annual awards were invaluable in supporting and strengthening tourism, particularly in the Redlands.
“The awards showcase the local tourism industry, celebrate sustainable business procedures and excellence in customer service and innovation, and encourage environmental awareness and risk management practices,” Cr Williams said.
“Tourism plays a key role in the Moreton Bay and Islands regional economy by attracting visitors, jobs and growth, and it is one of our priority sectors here in the Redlands.’’
“It is appropriate this year’s event is being hosted in the Redlands, where Priority Development Areas have been declared for the Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek precincts in a major boost for local tourism.
“The awards attracted 23 submissions from 19 businesses across 15 categories – with 13 of the submissions from 10 Redlands operators, from the mainland, North Stradbroke Island and Southern Moreton Bay Islands.”
A joint project of Redland City Council, Brisbane City Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council, they are open to tourism operators in Redland City, Brisbane’s bayside suburbs and the Moreton Bay region.
Redland City Council Tourism portfolio spokesman Cr Craig Ogilvie congratulated all entrants for their commitment.
“These award submissions are incredibly detailed and contain a great deal of information about how each business delivers its services and experiences,” Cr Ogilvie said.
“The willingness of businesses to put in that effort shows a strong commitment to excellence and to our tourism industry.’’
Last year three successful Redlands business – Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, Big Red Cat – Sea Stradbroke and Straddie Kingfisher Tours – were inducted into the Hall of Fame having won their categories for three consecutive years. They now cannot enter the same categories but can nominate in new ones.
The award categories are: Tourist Attractions; Festivals and Events; Ecotourism; Heritage, Cultural and Indigenous Tourism; Specialised Tourism and/or Business Services; Tour and Transport Operators; Adventure Tourism; Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services; Standard Accommodation; Deluxe Accommodation; Hosted Accommodation; New Tourism Development; Excellence in Sustainable Tourism; Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer group; and Excellence in Food Tourism.
RPAC will host the event on its expansive Concert Hall stage – the first time in its six-year history the RPAC stage has been used in this way.
Tickets are now on sale through RPAC Ticketing, on 3829 8131, [email protected] or online at www.rpac.com.au.
