By JONATHON HOWARD
WARWICK Gold Cup Campdraft and Rodeo will compete for top honours at the 2013 Queensland Tourism Awards, which recognise the outstanding achievements of industry operators across the state.
The annual week-long Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft and Rodeo, a member of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, has nominated for the festivals and events category in Queensland’s largest and most prestigious annual tourism awards program.
Warwick Show and Rodeo Society Treasurer Julia Kruger said nominating for the 2013 Queensland Tourism Awards was a prime opportunity to receive industry-wide recognition and profile their business within a highly-contestable tourist market.“Nominating for the Queensland Tourism Awards is a highly beneficial process for our business,” Mrs Kruger said.
“The award submission questions make us look at the way we operate in regards to creating a pleasurable experience for our visitors, marketing our event to our target audiences, planning our event and honouring our volunteers.
“If we were to receive a category placing in the 2013 Queensland Tourism Awards, my colleagues and I would be overjoyed considering how heavily Queensland relies on the tourism industry.
“We would hope that visitors to future events would be encouraged to stay longer in our region and visit other tourist attractions, thereby bringing more tourism to our area and supporting local jobs.
“If we were to win a Gold Award and proceed to the National Tourism Awards, the publicity and profile this would generate would be truly amazing. Participating in the Queensland Tourism Awards is a win-win opportunity to showcase our great event!”
QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said nominations for the 29th Queensland Tourism Awards had increased by 12 per cent in 2013 compared to the previous year which is a positive sign for the industry.
“This year will also see the introduction of gold, silver and bronze awards for each category which will align Queensland with the Australian Tourism Awards.”
Gold, silver and bronze winners from 32 categories will be announced on Friday 22 November at the newly opened RNA Convention Centre. More than 800 guests including award entrants are expected to attend the gala ceremony.
Gold award winners will gain automatic entry into the Australian Tourism Awards.
For more information, please visit www.queenslandtourismawards.com.au or ‘Queensland Tourism Awards’ on Facebook.
