Queensland’s leading tourism destinations and top tour guide have been recognised at the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC) Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide Awards, celebrating the communities and individuals helping drive Queensland’s visitor economy forward.

Taking out the top honours were Airlie Beach, awarded Top Small Tourism Town; and Toogoolawah, which claimed the title of Top Tiny Tourism Town. Stanthorpe was earlier announced as Queensland’s Top Tourism Town following the judges deliberations.

The prestigious Top Tour Guide Award was awarded to Jeb Connelly of Gems Tag A Long Tours in Outback Queensland. A proud Pitta Pitta man from the Sapphire Gemfields, Jeb has built a reputation for delivering authentic and deeply personal visitor experiences that combine Indigenous cultural knowledge, Outback storytelling and hands-on fossicking adventures. His ability to connect visitors with Country, culture and community in a genuine and memorable way set him apart as this year’s winner.

The awards recognise destinations and tourism ambassadors that demonstrate excellence in visitor experience, community engagement, destination marketing and tourism leadership.

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the winners represent the diversity, passion and professionalism that make Queensland one of Australia’s leading tourism destinations.

“These awards celebrate the communities and individuals who go above and beyond to create memorable visitor experiences and showcase the very best of Queensland,” Wheeler said.

“From the Granite Belt to the Whitsundays and the Somerset region, our winners demonstrate the important role tourism plays in supporting local jobs, businesses and communities.

“Tourism is ultimately about people and place. These destinations have shown a strong commitment to welcoming visitors and delivering experiences that encourage people to stay longer, spend more and return again.

“Our Top Tour Guide winner, Jeb Connelly of Gems Tag A Long Tours, exemplifies the passion, knowledge and dedication that help bring Queensland’s destinations to life. What makes Jeb’s story particularly inspiring is that he has built a successful tourism business through lived experience, passion and a deep commitment to sharing his culture. He guides with humility, kindness and an innate ability to make every guest feel valued and included.”

Wheeler said the awards also provide an opportunity to recognise the many tourism operators, volunteers, local councils and community members who contribute to the success of destinations across Queensland.

“All of our finalists should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved and the contribution they make to Queensland’s visitor economy.”

The winners will now go on to represent Queensland at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards later this year.

Gold 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide Award Winners

• Top Tourism Town: Stanthorpe
• Top Small Tourism Town: Airlie Beach – Whitsundays
• Top Tiny Tourism Town: Toogoolawah – Queensland Country
• Top Tour Guide: Jeb Connelly, Gems Tag A Long Tours – Queensland Country

Silver winners:

• Top Small Tourism Town: Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland
• Top Tiny Tourism Town: Hughenden, Outback Queensland
• Top Tour Guide: Guy Watson, Urban Tours

Bronze winners:

• Top Small Tourism Town: Esk, Queensland Country
• Top Tiny Tourism Town: Cape Tribulation, Tropical North Queensland
• Top Tour Guide: Paul Porteous, Cairns Adventure Group

– ENDS –