Rockhampton Region shines at 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards
Published on 18 November 2024
Rare Spares Rockynats 04 has secured BRONZE in the 'Major Festivals and Events' category for the second year running at the Queensland Tourism Awards on Friday night! This achievement cements Rockynats as Queensland’s largest car and bike festival, attracting a whopping 57,274 attendees and driving an impressive $7.47M in economic impact for our community. Adding to the celebrations, Explore Rockhampton brought home GOLD in the 'Richard Power Award for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns' for the second consecutive year!
Hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the Queensland Tourism Awards recognise and celebrate exceptional industry accomplishments, honouring the finest individuals, businesses, and events across Queensland.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams highlighted that the consecutive wins underscore the region's rising status in Queensland's tourism landscape.
“The Rockhampton region is making remarkable strides in the tourism industry, and receiving recognition at the Queensland Tourism Awards for the second year in a row firmly establishes us as one of Queensland's leading tourism and event destinations,” Mayor Williams said.
"Our back-to-back Gold award, this year celebrating our leadership in accessible tourism, reflects Rockhampton’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity, bolstering our reputation as one of Queensland’s most forward-thinking tourism destinations."
Advance Rockhampton Tourism and Events Manager Zac Garven said the recognition strengthens Rockhampton's position as an emerging tourism powerhouse.
"Securing these prestigious awards two years running puts Rockhampton firmly on the radar of tourism and event influences like Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, and other major stakeholders who can support our continuing development as a premier tourism and events destination," Mr Garven said.
"We've taken a collaborative approach, working with local talent, industry partners, and disability consultants to create authentic marketing driven by lived experience. This campaign is just the beginning of positioning Rockhampton as Australia's leading accessible tourism destination.
"Our region offers an incredible diversity of experiences – from inclusive tourism initiatives to major events, world-class Rockhampton Museum of Art, trophy barramundi fishing and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo. These awards validate our strategy of growing tourism through both innovation and our traditional strengths."
The Rockhampton Region also celebrated significant victories, with Beef Australia securing two Gold awards in the 'Major Festivals and Events' and 'Excellence in Food Tourism' categories, while our neighbours on the Capricorn Coast, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, took home Gold in the '3-3.5 Star Accommodation' category.
As a Gold award winner, Explore Rockhampton will represent Queensland at the Australian Tourism Awards to be held in March 2025.
To see the accessible marketing website landing page, visit www.explorerockhampton.com.au/accessibility
Rockynats 05 is on 4-6 April 2025. Secure your tickets now!
To find out more about the Queensland Tourism Awards, visit: www.qtic.com.au/queensland-tourism-awards