2023 Expedia Group TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards celebrate record year of achievements for industry
The Tropical North Queensland tourism industry celebrated a year of record achievement at the 2023 Expedia Group TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 27.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said the record number of 30 entries and a new award category highlighted the growing significance of the awards.
“We celebrate a year of recovery with the tourism industry delivering a record $4.3 billion domestic visitor expenditure to our regional economy in the past financial year,” Olsen, said.
“It is fitting that we further acknowledge the hard work of our members with the addition of the outstanding commitment to the industry award recognising businesses, groups or organisations who go above and beyond to contribute to the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry.
“I congratulate each of the winners and Life Members who have helped the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry to excel.”
New life members
- Pip Woodward, founder of the CaPTA Group: Pip and her late husband Charlie Woodward pioneered rainforest tourism in Tropical North Queensland with the founding of Rainforestation Nature Park and expanded the family business over 50 years to become one of the largest tourism operators in the region. Pip is also well known for her philanthropic work through the charity COUCH founded by the Woodward family.
- Ken Chapman, Chairman of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: As TTNQ’s immediate past Chair, Ken Chapman was instrumental in securing a record $10 million in Federal funding through the Recovery for Regional Tourism program for domestic marketing during the pandemic and $15 million under the International Tourism Recovery Program administered by Austrade. His family business Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is an iconic attraction that plays a key role in marketing Tropical North Queensland.
Other award recipients
- Outstanding Commitment to the Industry – Cairns Airport Ambassadors
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – AJ Hackett, Skypark by AJ Hackett
- Chair’s Award for Excellence – Silky Oaks Lodge
- Young Achiever Excellence Award – Jamie Binder, Marketing and Social Media Executive, Crystalbrook Collection
- 1st finalist – Jasmyn Tureia, People & Culture Business Partner, Crystalbrook Bailey
- 2nd finalist – Justin Baume, Guide, Cairns Adventure Group
- Customer Service Excellence Award – Cedric Lootvoet, Luxury Concierge, The Reef House
- 1st finalist – Cairns Airport Ambassadors
- 2nd finalist – Phoebe Urquhart Kereru, Trip Director, Passions of Paradise
- Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award – Small World Journeys
- 1st finalist – Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas
- 2nd finalist – CaPTA Group
- Best of Queensland Experiences Program Award – FNQ Nature Tours
The awards are sponsored by the Expedia Group, Cairns Regional Council and our Corporate Partners Cairns Airport and Avis.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Expedia Group TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards Ken Chapman Pip Woodward Tropical North Queensland tourismLatest News
Cathay Pacific adds two weekly flights between Brisbane and Hong Kong
They might be needed to get people to IBTM (See below!)
Market Check: Which cruise line’s stock price soared and which dropped?
Impressed by our really good photoshopping skills? Perhaps a digital design class or two wouldn't hurt us.
Visit Anaheim becomes a certified autism centre jumpstarting city-wide accessibility initiative
The more destinations and attractions that adopt this, the better.
Lufthansa Group tests Green Fares from Asia Pacific to Europe
There's been growing demand for Green Fares with 500,000+ guests having already booked.
United launches its direct service to Los Angeles from Brisbane
It's the largest expansion to the region in U.S. aviation history.
HKTB Wins Inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific 2025
The race to be the MICE capital of Asia is heating up.
1000MTG launches new leisure travel division in North America
1000 Mile Travel Group is going the extra mile with the countries that still uses miles (minus Canada).
Three Victorian tourism operators enter the state’s Hall of Fame
It sounds like a big night was had in Victoria!
Breaking down barriers: Tourism Western Australia on sponsoring the Women In Travel Awards
Breaking down barriers is particularly necessary for WA considering how long that COVID barrier was up.
Viking celebrates the float-out of its latest ship, Viking Vela
Viking team "cuts the cord" on its latest arrival.
Air New Zealand releases special Christmas video
While it's not a new safety video, there are a few lessons in this story for all of us.
Viking to welcome more than 1000 agents for cruise inspections this summer
Don't be shocked if you bump into another agent on a Viking ship this summer. Just remember to apologise after.
Carnival & Cunard cancel Melbourne port stops over tax hike
Sorry cruisers, you'll have to settle for Sydney coffee instead (which we think is actually better than Melbourne's).
Wendy Wu Tours launches new educational scholarship scheme in Cambodia
The initiative is Wendy Wu Tours' first major charitable contribution since the pandemic.
Journey Beyond announces 2025 offerings with iconic train journeys and the best of West Oz!
The best of 'West Oz' here refers to Western Australia, not the part of Oz that has the Wicked Witch of the West.
PHOTOS: Travel Associates stylishly celebrates 25th anniversary at its flagship store
It's safe hands at Travel Associates, as seen by the steady pouring on this gorgeous champagne fountain!
Metropolis of cool: The ultimate guide to Hong Kong’s nightlife
If your clients were bedazzled by the gorgeous cinematography of the Rush Hour films, a HK venture would be perfect!
Norwegian Viva christened by ‘Despacito’ singer at huge Miami ceremony
That's right, the guy who sang 'Despacito' christened the ship! If you know any of his other songs we'll be impressed.
Ahoy Cairns: Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady enters the home straight of her repositioning voyage
Judging by their Instagram, the crew members have been having an awesome time Down Under.
Fiji Airways launches inaugural flight to New Caledonia
Fiji’s National Airline is connecting Aussies to more of the Pacific.
The snacksperts have spoken – Air New Zealand reveals its newest onboard snacks
Not a serving of fush and chups in sight!
Hong Kong is serving up world-class cuisine experiences for lovers of food and drink
You're guaranteed good food and drink anywhere in Hong Kong! Just look at that cocktail for goodness sake!
INCENTIVE: TTC Tour Brands announces 2024 top achiever agent famil to undisclosed location
Not sure which of the five TTC brands is for you? You best read our Europe feature in today's newsletter!
WATCH: Southwest passenger climbs onto plane’s wing via emergency door, gets arrested on tarmac
This guy got off the plane before it'd even gotten wheels up! Clearly, the front or back seemed to obvious of an exit.
Travelex launches more than 75 new bureaux, kiosks and ATMs worldwide
Travelex is making sure you can get cash in more airports. An overpriced airport sandwich has never been easier to buy!
FAMIL: Club Med and Jetstar take 43 Aussie agents on a mega trip to Phuket
Nothing like a famil to acquaint yourself with your industry colleagues. The free booze, food and travel is nice too.
What were Aussie travellers booking in 2023? Flight Centre tells all in new report
This article has so many lists that you'll mistake us for Buzzfeed! Don't expect us to start doing cooking videos too.
Cathay Pacific becomes the first carrier in APAC to offer Disney+ in flight entertainment
Can you think of a client with really annoying kids? Do them a favour and book them on Cathay for their next holiday.
Jet across the Pacific on the cheap with Qantas’ North America sale
Hopefully the Flying Kangaroo doesn't drop roo poo on Fiji along the way to North America.
Why nib is walking the walk when it comes to advocating for women in the travel industry
Just like Aerosmith, nib is going to 'walk this way'! 'This way' being towards gender equality, in this instance.
The best ways to explore Europe in 2024
Miss out on Europe this year? Join the list... Here's to hoping we all make it over in 2024!
Viking ventures to Antarctica for third expedition, announces 87-day itinerary
How's 87 days with Viking sound? Certainly a lot better than 87 days at sea with actual Vikings.
Tourism Research Australia data shows international travel’s boom has hindered domestic growth
It's hard to believe, but Australians are keener on international rather than domestic after COVID's border closures.
China to see seventh Four Seasons hotel open in 2024 with new Hangzhou Centre offering
A partnership between Greentown China Holdings Limited, China Resources Land Limited and Hangzhou Metro Development Company Limited and the Four Seasons will see the opening of China’s second Four Seasons hotel next year. At the heart of the city’s newest mixed-use development project, Hangzhou Centre Towers, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre will offer […]
ONE WEEK AWAY! The Women In Travel Awards is nearly here!
One week to go! Oh my gosh, now's the time to get your frock/suit/elaborately stylish onesie ready!
Travel Weekly TV: Ari Foo, area director (sales, marketing), Skye Suites
Recognise Skye Suites from Married at First Sight? We don't, but only because we save ourselves from the show.