Queenslanders have been called to nominate their favourite hotspots, local treasures, and hidden gems for the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards. Presented by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the annual awards recognise Queensland’s diverse and outstanding regional destinations.

“The Top Tourism Town Awards allow us to shine the spotlight on Queensland’s favourite gems and to reward communities who are united in delivering a great holiday experience,” QTIC CEO Brett Fraser said. “We’re calling on tourism operators and locals to come together and unite in nominating their regional communities and showing our expert tourism judges why their destination deserves to be crowned a Top Tourism Town. The Awards are a great way for Queenslanders to discover hidden treasures. The winners of Top Tourism Town are sure to become a new favorite getaway for families and holidaymakers,” Fraser said.

There are four awards in the program: Top Tourism Town Award – those with a population over 5000, Top Small Tourism Town Award – those with a population between 1500 and 5000, Top Tiny Tourism Town Award – those with a population below 1500, and the Top Tour Guide Award, which will recognise a tour guide or coach captain who goes above and beyond in providing guests with an outstanding experience.

“Queensland’s visitor economy is enjoying a nation leading domestic recovery as Queenslanders and interstate travelers discover more of our great lifestyle and holiday experiences,” Mr Hinchliffe said. “Whether it’s an unforgettable holiday, good coffee, or a friendly smile at the supermarket checkout, Queensland’s Top Tourism Towns make welcoming visitors everybody’s business. The Top Tourism Towns and Top Tour Guide Awards are a terrific way of highlighting new, must see destinations and celebrating the amazing diversity of visitor experiences only Queensland has.”

The winners will be announced in June at an awards ceremony held in Brisbane.

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