TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards
The TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements and successes within the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry. The TTNQ Board recognises the products and people who have made their mark on the region’s tourism industry over the past year.
A record number of submissions were received for the 2022 TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards held at the Hilton Cairns on Friday, October 28.
Stay tuned for 2023 awards!
AWARD CATEGORIES FOR 2022
Life Member
Recognises a long period of dedicated commitment to tourism in Tropical North Queensland and acknowledges the personal achievements of the inductee in the tourism industry.
*Board appointed award
Chair’s Award of Excellence
Recognises a project, initiative, product or service that has made a significant impact and contribution to the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland.
*Chosen by the TTNQ Chair with the support of the Board. Sponsored by Cairns Regional Council
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Recognises the extraordinary personal and professional achievement by an individual over many years to the Australian, and particularly the Queensland tourism industry.
*Board appointed award.
Young Achiever Excellence Award
Recognises an individual under the age of 35 who has made a significant contribution to the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland and to the development of their community.
*Nominated award, selected by an Awards Panel
Customer Service Excellence Award
Recognising excellence in customer service.
*Nominated award, selected by an Awards Panel. Sponsored by Bang Media
Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award *NEW*
This award recognises an individual or business that is a leader in sustainable tourism.
*Nominated award, selected by an Awards Panel. Sponsored by Cairns Airport
Best of Queensland Experience Program Recognition of Excellence
Recognises the hard work of tourism operators who have achieved top scores in the Best of Queensland Experience Program.
*Based on BoQEP results for 2022
Past Winners
2022
- Life Member – Allan Tan
- Chair’s Award of Excellence, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council – Experience Co (Reef Unlimited)
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Bob Manning
- Young Achiever Excellence Award – Tayla Ahrens, Cairns Airport
- Customer Service Excellence Award, sponsored by Bang Media – Wil Kemp, The Savannahlander
- Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award – Passions of Paradise
- Best of Queensland Experiences Excellence Award – ABC Snorkel Charters
2021
- Life Members – Stephen Gregg and Wendy Morris
- Chair’s Award of Excellence – Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF)
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council – James Dixon
- Year of Indigenous Tourism Award, Sponsored by Bang Media – Juan Walker, Walkabout Cultural Adventures
- Young Achiever Excellence Award – Weiqing Jacky Ni
- Customer Service Excellence Award – Shanice Dale
- Best of Queensland Experience Excellence Award – Back Country Bliss Adventures
2019
- Life Member – Ross Steele
- Chair’s Award of Excellence, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council – Crystalbrook Collection
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Tony Baker
- Innovation Excellence Award, sponsored by Cairns Airport – Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Young Achiever Excellence Award, sponsored by HostPlus – Jana Stankovich
- Customer Service Excellence Award – Deborah Ieri, Small World Journeys & Malcolm Rothall, Bad Fishy Jet Boating
2018
- Life Member – Gary Young
- Chair’s Award of Excellence, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council – IRONMAN
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Paula Wallace
- Innovation Excellence Award, sponsored by Cairns Airport – Reef Restoration Foundation
- Young Achiever Excellence Award, sponsored by HostPlus – Jasmine Porteous
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