28 Ecotourism Australia Certified operators are set to shine at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards tonight at the gala award ceremony in Darwin.
26 ECO Certified and 2 Sustainable Tourism Certified businesses are finalists for 31 awards across 16 diverse categories including Major Tourist Attractions, Ecotourism, Major Tour and Transport Operators and Adventure Tourism. Notably, Ocean Rafting, Fun Over 50 Holidays and Big 4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort are finalists across multiple award categories.
Each finalist has won gold in their respective state tourism awards late last year and are now striving to take out the top acclamation in the country.
Ecotourism Australia CEO, Ms Elissa Keenan, stated, “Tourism businesses certified at world’s best practice sustainability standards continue to demonstrate they are among the highest-quality experiences in Australia and it is commendable to see them recognised at the national level.
“Significantly, 2023 is the first time Sustainable Tourism Certified businesses are recognised at the national level since the launch of the program in 2022 enabling operators that meet global sustainability standards to excel in new categories such as business events.
“We congratulate each nominated business on their finalist achievement and wish our certified operators the best of luck for the night.”
Finalists are below:
1. Major Tourist Attractions
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary QLD
Monarto Safari Park SA
2. Tourist Attractions
Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience QLD
Willie Creek Pearl Farm WA
5. Ecotourism
Sydney by Kayak NSW
Trek Larapinta NT
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures QLD
The Big Duck Boat Tours SA
Tasmanian Walking Company TAS
Parks Victoria – Grampians Peaks Trail VIC
Live Ningaloo WA
6. Cultural Tourism
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures QLD
7. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism Experience
Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience NSW
Wintjiri Wiru NT
10. Business Event Venues
11. Major Tour & Transport Operators
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises NSW
AAT Kings NT
Ocean Rafting QLD
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys TAS
12. Tour & Transport Operators
13. Adventure Tourism
World Expeditions | Australian Walking Holidays NT
Ocean Rafting QLD
Bendleby Ranges SA
15. Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge NT
Sea World Cruises QLD
17. Caravan & Holiday Parks
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort QLD
18. Hosted Accommodation
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat QLD
19. Unique Accommodation
Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat NSW
20. Self Contained Accommodation
21. 3-3.5 Star Accommodation
Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach QLD