2025 Qantas & Jetstar TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards & TTNQs 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner

The Tropical North Queensland tourism industry recognised its innovative people and products at the 2025 Qantas & Jetstar TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards and celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Tourism Tropical North Queensland at the Cairns Convention Centre on 24 October.

Winners of the 2025 Qantas & Jetstar TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards:

TTNQ Life Members
Cheryl Kelly and John Morris

Outstanding Commitment to the Industry 
Tony George

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual in TNQ
Megan Bell

Chair’s Award for Excellence 
Singapore Airlines

Robbie Bastion Award for Inbound Marketing – NEW AWARD
Andrew Steel

Young Achiever Excellence Award
James Egan – Mt Mulligan Lodge

Customer Service Excellence Award 
Simon Rooke – Passions of Paradise

Sustainable Tourism Excellence 
Tropic Wings Cairns Tours

Best of Queensland Experience Excellence Award
FNQ Nature Tours

TTNQ Thanks our Major Sponsors

Qantas and JetstarNaming Rights Sponsor & Life Member Award Sponsor
Qantas and Jetstar have a long-standing history of supporting tourism in Tropical North Queensland, operating more than 430 flights to and from Cairns every week across the Group. This partnership reflects Qantas and Jetstar’s ongoing commitment to regional Australia and dedication to helping travellers access some of the country’s most unique and remote destinations, including the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the Tropical Rainforests of North Queensland.

Cairns Regional CouncilOutstanding Commitment to the Industry Award 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.

Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides – Outstanding Contribution by and Individual Award Sponsor
The Queensland Government’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides is an exciting, new, free online training program that enhances World Heritage presentation, interpretation, and experience delivery to ensure visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of the Wet Tropics.

And Our Event Sponsors

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.

Cairns Convention Centre
Cairns Convention Centre is a world‑class, award‑winning venue that combines cutting‑edge AV/IT and infrastructure with exceptional in‑house expertise and catering to deliver seamless conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, concerts, and hybrid events. Twice recognised as AIPC’s “World’s Best Congress Centre,” the Cairns Convention Centre is renowned for its service excellence, innovation, and commitment to sustainable event delivery.

Lotsa Printing
Lotsa Print & Signage is a premier printing and graphic‑design company that blends high‑quality production with creative expertise. With facilities in Cairns and Townsville, they specialise in everything from business cards and booklets to marquees, media walls and vehicle signage.

#ExploreTNQ

A place that feels almost imagined 💙✨

Discover the Great Barrier Reef through guided snorkelling, incredible marine life, and meaningful connections to culture, conservation, and the ocean with @dreamtimecairns 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia
Birdsong, fresh air and slow mornings. Sometimes the best soundtrack is the one nature gives you. 

📍Chewko, @visitmareebashire 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
Spotting a turtle on the Great Barrier Reef never gets old 🤩🐢

🎥 @dive_down_under for @downundercruiseanddive 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
Standing in the presence of Australia's tallest single-drop waterfall is something you'll never forget.

Wallaman Falls is one of North Queensland's most spectacular natural wonders, where water plunges 268 metres into the rainforest below. Whether you're taking in the view from the lookout or tackling the hike to the base, every angle is unforgettable. 🌿✨

🎥 @discoveratlantis 

⚠️ Make sure to stick to the path and follow signs when hiking. 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia
Fashion. Culture. Story. ✨

CIAF 2026 Fashion came alive at The Mill, Yirrganydji Country, showcasing powerful collections inspired by Reclamation and Regeneration. A celebration of Indigenous fashion, creativity, culture and community that won't be forgotten! 

@cairnsindigenousartfair 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia 
@queensland @australia
Chasing waterfalls and hidden gems in the Atherton Tablelands 🌿 

From swimming in volcanic crater lakes to exploring ancient rainforests and charming country towns, this is where Tropical North Queensland slows down and surprises you at every turn. ✨

📍@athertontablelands 

🎥 @rosegumswildernessretreat 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia
Paradise found 🏝️ Crystal-clear water, rainforest walks, and snorkelling straight off the beach. Just a short ferry from Cairns and feels like another world ✨🐢

📍 @fitzroyisland 

🎥 @jesswardphoto 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia
Skipping the supermarket for roadside fruit stalls. Doesn't get fresher than this 🥥

📍 @fromdaintreewithlove, @portdouglasdaintree 

🎥 @on_repart_quand 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia
A little island calm goes a long way 🌊✨ Blue ocean, gentle waves and beautiful mornings on Russell Island.

🎥 @phlipvids 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #queenslandholidayfeeling #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia