The Sunshine Coast is set to play host to the Queensland tourism industry’s ‘night of nights’ – the 2019 Queensland Tourism Awards – for the first time in its 35-year history.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said taking the Queensland Tourism Awards to the Sunshine Coast was a great opportunity to showcase one of the state’s thriving tourism regions.
“Queensland is fortunate to have a multitude of distinctive tourism destinations and QTIC is keen to draw attention to them where possible,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast will be the centre of Queensland’s tourism world with other major tourism events being held in the region at the same time, truly showcasing what the region as to offer.”
“It will also be the first time the Queensland Tourism Awards is held on the Sunshine Coast in its 35-year history – and hopefully not the last.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said securing the awards is a significant coup and has been achieved through the Business Events Assistance Program – a joint initiative of Sunshine Coast Council and Business Events Sunshine Coast, a division of Visit Sunshine Coast.
“Hosting these prestigious awards will be a great opportunity to showcase both our region and our ability to host a premium quality industry event like this one,” he said.
“It’s our opportunity to show off the Sunshine Coast in all its glory – all of our amazing tourist attractions, the businesses, the beautiful local produce from across the region and the people within our community.
“It will also provide a significant economic benefit, given it is anticipated to attract over 1000 visitors to the Sunshine Coast for these awards”.
Tourism, Events and Sport Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the commitment by the Shakespeare Property Group in expanding the event and convention facilities and other enhancements at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort was a great show of confidence in the Sunshine Coast and a boost for the region’s tourism sector.
“The Sunshine Coast receives approximately 10 million tourists each year, has 30,000 plus businesses and is one of the fastest growing economies in Australia,” Cr O’Pray said.
“This is the first time the awards will be held on the Sunshine Coast and it wouldn’t be possible without the new convention centre at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort.
“This also supports our new 2018-2027 Major Events Strategy, which includes a focus on bringing major business events linked to our high-value industries to the region.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford said securing the state’s premier tourism awards night was another coup for the region.
“With tourism a key driver of the Sunshine Coast, it is only fitting the event move north to the Sunshine Coast that has undeniably earnt its reputation of being a crowd favourite for leisure and conference visitors,” he said.
“Winning the right to next year’s awards will further boost our tourism industry and maintain the momentum off the back of major business events held in the region including the Australian Event Awards for the past three years.
“We are incredibly excited to roll out the red carpet for the tourism industry’s best as we continue to elevate our status as an in-demand tourism and business events destination.”
The red carpet will be rolled out at award-winning venue Novotel Twin Waters Resort following the construction of a new preeminent $8 million convention centre and event venue that is due to open in April 2019.
Novotel Twin Waters Resort General Manager Steve Wellsteed said the resort welcomed the incredible vote of confidence from QTIC and was thrilled to host the 2019 Awards.
“It will be an absolute pleasure to host this event in our brand-new convention centre and deliver a memorable night for Queensland’s top tourism talent and ambassadors,” he said.
“The Queensland Tourism Awards present an incredibly exciting opportunity to showcase the potential of our new venue for all of our tourism partners and supporters.
“In recent years the event has only been hosted in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, so this announcement confirms the Sunshine Coast’s ability to host world class events."
The 2019 Queensland Tourism Awards will be held at on Friday 8 November.
The Queensland Tourism Awards are hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and presented by Queensland Airports Limited in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and supporting partner Tourism Australia.
PHOTO: Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast
