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

📸💦 Meet Australia’s most photogenic waterfall! Millaa Millaa Falls is always ready for her close-up. Why just like her photos when you can visit and snap your own?

📸 @arkt.travelounge 

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

ID: A waterfall, surrounded by rainforest, cascades smoothly over a cliff, creating a deep pool below.
Some places are so special they have to be seen to be believed - @lizardisland  is one of them. 🏝️ Located on the northern end of the #GreatBarrierReef this secluded island serves as a sanctuary for marine and bird life, while offering the epitome of luxury. Who says you can’t have it all?

📸: @lizardisland 

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

ID: This image showcases Lizard Island’s thick vegetation and pristine beaches against the vibrant turquoise of the surrounding sea. A high vantage point captures the island’s secluded beauty and the expansive view of the Great Barrier Reef.
With a story that could have been lifted straight from a storybook, @paronellapark  dreamlike charm awaits. You will find this beautiful piece of history just a short drive from #Innisfail on the @cassowarycoastaustralia.

📸 @cairns.australia 

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

ID: The image shows a moss-covered, castle-like structure complete with ornate balconies and stone walls. A water feature surrounds the base, enhancing the structure’s mystical and historic charm, as dense tropical foliage frames the scene, emphasising its rainforest location.
🌴😍 If this isn’t your view, you are in the wrong place! Pack up for Port Douglas and soon you could be dipping your toes into the sands of #FourMileBeach 🏝️.

🎥: @kellerdiaries | @portdouglasdaintree 

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

ID: An aerial view of Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. The photograph captures the brilliant blue waters of the Coral Sea, contrasting vividly with the greenery of the coastal trees and white sandy beach.
🌍✈️ Ready to upgrade your camera roll? Discover home 💚 through the lens of 🎥 @_brittanynash. If you are dreaming of a year filled with unforgettable adventures like these, it's time to start planning your visit to Tropical North Queensland.

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland  @australia  @athertontablelands @portdouglasdaintree Explore Cassowary Coast 

ID: This video showcases a number of experiences across Tropical North Queensland, from white-water rafting to quiet moments on a secluded beach. Highlights include skydiving, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring magnificent waterfalls, attending a fashion show, and encountering wildlife. Aerial views offer glimpses of dense rainforests, while horseback riding adds to the diverse adventures captured.
🌿 Tune into nature’s soundtrack at #NandroyaFalls. 🎧💧 #ASMRNature 🤣😉 #nandroyafalls 

🎥 @phlipvids 

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

ID: This video offers a drone shot of Nandroya Falls,  where a heavy flowing waterfall cascades into a series of lower waterfalls.
#PompeiiCave in #ChillagoeMunganaCavesNationalPark, although compact, is a trove of stunning mineral formations and challenging boulder-strewn paths. This self-guided trail, rated as difficult, rewards the adventurous with a truly unforgettable experience.

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

ID: An explorer traverses the rugged terrain of Pompeii Cave in Chillagoe, negotiating a path strewn with massive boulders under a natural rock archway, highlighted by sunlight filtering through an opening above.
🚀 3…2…1… Forget about far-flung destinations; the world’s largest and most spectacular coral system awaits right here in Tropical North Queensland.

🎥 @abcsnorkelcharters

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

ID: This video captures an underwater tableau at the Great Barrier Reef, highlighting a lively coral ecosystem teeming with marine life, including a green sea turtle, a manta ray, assorted corals, and a diver exploring the depths.
☀️ 📣  Sun’s out, and it’s whitewater season. 

Did you know the #TullyRiver is considered one of the best white water rafting rivers in Australia, with over 45 rapids cutting through World Heritage-listed rainforest.

Who’s calling dibs on the next trip? 🌊🚣‍♂️

🎥: @ragingthunder 

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

ID: A group of rafters paddling a yellow inflatable raft through the rushing rapids of a river surrounded by dense, green rainforest. The video captures the energy and excitement of whitewater rafting in Tropical North Queensland.