Region's Finest Celebrated at Tourism Awards
Tourism operators from across The Mackay Region were the toast of the town Friday night at the 2019 Mackay Region Tourism Awards, hosted and sponsored by the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC).
Tourism’s night of nights attracted 110 attendees, including tourism operators, dignitaries, stakeholders, Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Cr. Greg Williamson and Mayor of Isaac Regional Council Cr. Anne Baker.
Celebrating an incredibly successful twelve months for tourism in The Mackay Region, with new records for visitor numbers and overnight expenditure, was a key theme for the night.
The greatest applause, however, went to the 15 award winners who together represented the outstanding accomplishments of tourism businesses and individuals from across The Mackay Region.
Gold winners included Inshore Fishing Mackay, Ibis Mackay, Sarina Sugar Shed, St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend, Rydges Mackay Suites and Hay Point Country Bed and Breakfast.
The Old Station Teahouse, meanwhile, collected gold for Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services, and in doing so were awarded Hall of Fame status.
Individual award winners were Young Achiever Award receipt Amanda Pelagalli, Chairman’s Award winner Paul Kelly, whilst Comfort Resort Blue Pacific Owner and Mackay Tourism Deputy Chair Nick uit den Bogaard was recognised with Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.
Congratulating each of the winners was Mackay Tourism General Manager Tas Webber.
“The Mackay Region Tourism Awards exist to recognise the commitment to tourism excellence and celebrate the exceptional achievements of tourism businesses and individuals throughout the region,” he said.
“It is the dedication of businesses and individuals like those we have recognised tonight, that has enabled tourism to firmly establish itself as a key economic pillar to The Mackay Region’s economy, contributing millions of dollars in investment and creating thousands of jobs,” Mr Webber explained.
2019 Mackay Region Tourism Award Winners
Tourist Attraction - Gold
Inshore Fishing Mackay
Excellence in Food Tourism - Gold
Freckle Farm
Silver
Greater Whitsunday Network
Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services - Gold
The Old Station Teahouse
Standard Accommodation - Gold
Ibis Mackay
Silver
Comfort Blue Pacific Resort
Caravan and Holiday Parks - Silver
Sarina Palms Holiday Village
Young Achiever Award
Amanda Pelagalli
Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group
Sarina Sugar Shed
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Nick uit den Bogaard
Festivals and Events - Gold
St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend - Nominated by Isaac Regional Council
Silver
Mackay Festival of Arts - Nominated by Mackay Regional Council
Deluxe Accommodation - Gold
Rydges Mackay Suites
Hosted Accommodation - Gold
Hay Point Country Bed and Breakfast
2019 Hall of Fame - Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services
The Old Station Teahouse
Chairman’s Award
Paul Kelly
Contact:
Daniel Brown - Communications Officer
0448 994 180
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Published: 27 September 2019