The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards has recognised 11 Ecotourism Australia Certified operators across five states with 13 awards for their commitment to tourism excellence in 2023.
Of the 28 Certified finalists at the national awards, four won gold, eight were awarded silver and one claimed bronze across 10 categories, such as Ecotourism, Major Tour and Transport Operators and Hosted Accommodation.
If certified operators were a state, they would have come runners-up for the highest number of winners behind only Queensland with 14 awards.
Ocean Rafting
Image: Ocean Rafting’s Nathan Fleming, Jan Claxton and Peter Claxton with their gold award.
Advanced Ecotourism Certified Fun Over 50 Holidays in Queensland took out gold in the prestigious Ecotourism category, followed by Sydney by Kayak achieving silver.
For the first time, Sustainable Tourism Certified operators were recognised at the national awards with Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience awarded silver in the Tourist Attractions category.
“We are proud to see 11 Certified operators achieve the top accolade in the Australian tourism industry,” said Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan.
“Our Certified operators continue to deliver the highest-quality experiences while leading the nation in best practice sustainable tourism. As their state’s and now Australia’s leading businesses of 2023, we look forward to watching their impact grow and inspire greater tourism sustainability.
“Congratulations to all Ecotourism Australia certified operators that were nominated and to those that placed on Friday night’s tourism awards.”
Winners are below:
Gold
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Ecotourism
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – Major Tour and Transport Operators
Ocean Rafting – Adventure Tourism
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – Caravan & Holiday Parks
Silver
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Major Tourist Attractions
Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience – Tourist Attractions
Sydney by Kayak – Ecotourism
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Cultural Tourism
Ocean Rafting – Major Tour and Transport Operators
Bendleby Ranges – Adventure Tourism
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat – Hosted Accommodation
Tree Chalets – Self-contained Accommodation
Bronze
Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach – 3-3.5 Star Accommodation