Expedia Group TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards 2024

The Tropical North Queensland tourism industry recognised its innovative people and products at the 2024 Expedia Group TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards at the Screen Queensland Studio in Cairns on October 25.

Winners of the 2024 Expedia Group TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards:


TTNQ Life Members
Mark and Judy Evans, Paronella Park

Outstanding Commitment to the Industry 
Savannah in the Round

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual in TNQ
John Morris

Chair’s Award for Excellence 
Peter and Angela Freeman, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Young Achiever Excellence Award
Hope Mitchell, Senior Event Planner, Cairns Convention Centre
Finalist: Olivia Stafford, Tully River Rafting Guide, Cairns Adventure Group
Finalist: Sharlee Correa, Wildlife Educator, Cairns Aquarium

Customer Service Excellence Award 
Paul Porteous, Senior Raft Guide, Cairns Adventure Group
Finalist:  Jess Silverwood, Escape Planning Specialist, The Reef House Adults Retreat
Finalist:  Rob Moss, Tour Guide, Tony’s Tropical Tours

Sustainable Tourism Excellence 
Crystalbrook Collection
Finalist:  Mt Mulligan Lodge

Best of Queensland Experience Excellence Award
FNQ Nature Tours

TTNQ thanks our Event Sponsors:

Expedia Group – Naming Rights Sponsor & Outstanding Commitment to the Industry Award Sponsor
As the world’s leading travel platform, Expedia Group Media Solutions is proud to partner with Tourism Tropical North Queensland promoting tourism across the region and connecting their world class destinations, experiences, and properties to millions of travellers in Expedia Group’s worldwide network. Expedia Group are delighted to be a key sponsor of the Tourism Awards and continue supporting Tourism Tropical North Queensland to achieve their objectives and showcase the incredible diversity of the region.

Cairns Regional Council – Chairmans Award of Excellence Sponsor
Cairns Regional Council provides community services and facilities, is responsible for making and enforcing local laws, and is involved in the social, economic, and cultural development of our community, improving local living environments.

Avis Australia – Customer Service Excellence Award Sponsor
Avis Australia has a long history of innovation in the car rental industry and is one of the world’s top brands for customer loyalty. Avis has three car & truck rental locations in our region and continues to provide exceptional service to corporate as well as leisure renters.

Cairns Airport – Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award Sponsor
Cairns Airport is one of Australia’s leading regional airports, providing air links to a variety of regional, domestic, and international destinations. Described as ‘descending into paradise’, Cairns Airport is the gateway to the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef and Tropical Rainforests of North Queensland.

Ports North – Young Achiever Excellence Award Sponsor
Ports North plays a crucial role in fostering economic development within the region, significantly contributing to the state’s tourism and export capabilities. Cairns Seaport serves as a multi-purpose facility accommodating a variety of operations and offers extensive marina and tourism facilities. The Port is one of Australia’s busiest cruising destinations with both major international cruise ships and a number of domestic cruise vessels operating out of Cairns.

Screen Queensland, Cairns Event Sponsor
Australia’s newest state-of-the-art film and television studio complex housing a sound stage, editing studio, production offices, recording studio, large construction space, wardrobe, parking and event spaces.

Tẅo Tribes – Event Sponsor
Tẅo Tribe Events is a boutique ‘Style & Hire’ company specialising in bespoke events and weddings with a ‘Wow’ factor. The largest boutique furniture and hiring company in Tropical North Queensland, they offer on-trend styling in stunning off-site locations that sets each event apart.

Pro GigEvent Sponsor
Providing professional audio, lighting, vision, conferencing equipment and high quality technical services to the event industry with over 35 years experience; servicing all of Northern Queensland and will travel to where an event may lead. Progig is your go-to AV partner for your next event, concert, festival or conference.

#ExploreTNQ

This is what a workweek looks like when your office is the world’s largest coral reef system. Who’s ready to swap their desk for the #GreatBarrierReef? 🎥  @puresnorkelling 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland  @australia 

ID An underwater montage that depicts five days of working on the Great Barrier Reef. Each day reveals a different marine scene from colourful coral gardens, schools of tropical fish and snorkellers exploring the reef. The reel ends with “See you soon”.
Sunrise magic at Ellis Beach. 🌅🌴 There’s no better way to start the day than with swaying palms and a sky painted in shades of pink and gold. Who’s watching the sunrise from here next? 👇✨

📸 @stl_caption 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland  @australia 

ID Sunrise at Ellis Beach, with shades of pink, purple and orange painting the sky. Silhouetted palm trees lean toward the shore, framing the view, while a hammock hangs between them. The ocean stretches toward the horizon, reflecting the morning light.
Just taking it all in at #LakeEacham on the @athertontablelands. 🌿💙 This stunning volcanic crater lake is located in #craterlakesnationalpark and offers day-trippers the perfect place to picnic, swim, or explore the surrounding rainforest walking tracks. 

📸 @rachelsholliday 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland  @australia #athertontablelands 

ID An aerial view of Lake Eacham, a deep blue volcanic crater lake surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. A woman stands on a wooden viewing platform gazing out at the clear water. Submerged logs can be seen beneath the crystal-clear surface, adding to the lake’s beauty.
Lil dude’s caught in a riptide of determination... 🤙🐢🏄‍♂️ First stop ☝ #FranklandIslands, next stop the EAC 😉 . 🎥 @franklandislands #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland  @australia 

ID A Green Sea Turtle hatchling is making its way from the nest to the ocean, a critical part of its life cycle. After hatching from the sand, it instinctively follows the natural light reflecting off the water to find its way to the sea.
Barefoot bliss on Green Island. 🌴👣. This gorgeous #coralcay on the #GreatBarrierReef isn't just for day-trippers, it’s also home to @greenislandgbr, a luxury eco-resort where you can wake up to the sound of the ocean and explore the reef straight from your doorstep. 🏝️💙 📸 @_letsescapetogether_

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia 

ID A woman in a bikini and sun hat walks along the pristine shoreline of Green Island, leaving footprints in the soft golden sand. The turquoise water gently laps at the shore, while lush green foliage lines the beach under a clear blue sky.
Forget roses and chocolates 💘 Nothing says romance like a Victoria’s Riflebird pulling out all the moves. ✨ This dazzling display is the ultimate Valentine’s flex, as he fans out his glossy wings and shimmies his way into her heart. Who else is bringing this energy 😉  to their Valentine’s plans? 📍 Lake Eacham @athertontablelands 

🎥 @naidu_kumpatla 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland  @australia 

ID A male Victoria’s Riflebird performs an elaborate courtship display on a tree stump in the rainforest. He fans out his glossy black wings, revealing iridescent blue and purple hues, and moves rhythmically in a dance-like motion.
🍦 ‘Eat more ice cream’ - well, if you insist! 🤤 Come grab your happiness in a cone at @numi.icecreamery. Which flavour are you scooping up today?

📸 @food_vixen 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland  @australia  @visitpalmcove 

ID This image features a scoop of ice cream with vanilla on top and a berry mix on the bottom, served in a classic cone. The backdrop highlights a neon sign that reads “EAT MORE ICE CREAM” in pink.
Have you even visited #Port Douglas if you don’t have this view in your camera roll of #FourMileBeach? 

📸 @allaussiefolettas 

ID This image showcases the view from the top of Flagstaff Hill, overlooking a long stretch of beach. The foreground features tropical foliage, framing the expansive seascape below. 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia  @portdouglasdaintree #portdouglasdaintree