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 Gig – Event 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.
Past Winners
2023
- Life Members – Pip Woodward & Ken Chapman
- Chair’s Award of Excellence, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council – Silky Oaks Lodge
- Outstanding Commitment to the Industry, sponsored by Expedia Group – Cairns Airport Ambassadors
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – AJ Hackett, Skypark by AJ Hackett
- Young Achiever Excellence Award – Jamie Binder, Crystalbrook Collection
- Customer Service Excellence Award – Cedric Lootvoet, The Reef House Palm Cove
- Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award – Small World Journeys
- Best of Queensland Experiences Excellence Award – FNQ Nature Tours
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