Redland City tourism operators took out almost half of the awards on offer at the 2012 Moreton Bay & Island Tourism Awards last night.
The awards were announced at The Landing, Dockside, at Kangaroo Point, with local businesses winning eight of the 18 categories.
Iconic tourism products on North Stradbroke Island and the Redlands mainland vied for titles alongside other regional operators from Brisbane City and Moreton Bay Regional Council areas.
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Redlands Kayak Tours won the Tourist Attraction category for Katrina and Tony Beutel’s fun water-based tours that provide a unique and sustainable way to experience the bay.
Mount Cotton Guesthouse won the Deluxe Accommodation category, recognising owners Sue Panuccio and Trevor Penson’s focus on hospitality, fine food, quality accommodation and beautiful surrounds. Across the bay, Macleay Island Accommodation won the Standard Accommodation category, for the range and quality of accommodation and continual business improvements delivered by Belinda Greenway.
Council’s own Redlands IndigiScapes Centre was again a winner, taking out the Eco Tourism category for its environmentally-based programs and the popular bush experience staff provide for local and international visitors.
Four North Stradbroke Island operators were honoured in the awards, including Stradbroke Island Events, which took out the Specialised Tourism Services category. The award recognised the exceptional services provided by Donna Shannon for functions and celebrations on the island.
Straddie Kingfisher Tours won the Tour and/or Transport Operator category, acknowledging the contribution of Barefoot Dave (Thelander) to the island’s tourism economy; and the Big Red Cat won Major Tour and/or Transport Operator for its continued commitment to excellence.
Fishes at the Point (Point Lookout) has been working hard in recent years to become more sustainable, and the efforts of Colin Battersby and his team were rewarded with the Excellence in Sustainable Tourism category.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she was delighted to see so many local businesses recognised at a regional level.
“Here in the Redlands we offer a great range of quality products and services to our visitors. Congratulation to all our winners,” the Mayor said.
2012 Moreton Bay & Island Tourism Awards – the winners:
Hall of Fame trophies were awarded to winners from the past three years in the same category: Abbey Medieval Festival Redlands Indigiscapes Centre Moreton Bay Region Visitor Information Centre Big Red Cat – Sea Stradbroke Straddie Kingfisher Tours Sails Restaurant & Function Centre
The Awards are a joint partnership with Brisbane City Council administering this year’s awards and being supported by the Moreton Bay Task Force, which represents the local governments of the Moreton Bay and Islands region: Brisbane City Council, Redland City Council, and Moreton Bay Regional Council.
