2006 QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS

 Winners honoured in gala ceremony

Australian tourism and hospitality operators have celebrated their achievements this evening at the industry’s own ‘night of nights’ with the 2006 Qantas Australian Tourism Award winners being announced in a gala spectacular at Star City Hotel and Casino Sydney.

The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards are organised annually on behalf of the tourism industry by the National Tourism Alliance (NTA).

This evening close to 800 tourism leaders, representatives and industry supporters made their way to Sydney to celebrate the annual event.

“The evening is the culmination of a strong year in tourism with all categories displaying the high standards of tourism operators in Australia today,” said Col Hughes, Chairman, NTA.

“The 2006 award recipients provided an incredible cross section of what tourism is in this beautiful and diverse country of ours.”

Some of the highlights of the night included the National Museum of Australia (ACT) being awarded the Major Tourist Attraction award, Sydney Royal Easter Show (NSW) taking out the Major Festivals and Events category, Australia Zoo (QLD) for tourism retailing and Fantasea Cruises (QLD) picking up the Significant Tourist Attraction.

"Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2006 Qantas Travel and Tourism Awards. Each of the winners have demonstrated excellence, innovation and commitment to our tourism industry. These awards demonstrate the quality and exceptional performance of tourism operator’s right across Australia, “said Fran Bailey, Minister for Small Business and Tourism.

Fran Bailey paid tribute to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which won the award for the Major Festival & Special Events. 
 

"The Sydney Royal Easter Show is a fantastic event, bringing the country to the city for millions of Australians. Families love a day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, with show bags, rides and animal shows. The contribution to tourism, both in attracting tourists to the Easter Show and in generating interest in visiting regional Australia, is enormous,” Minister Bailey said.

Fran Bailey also paid tribute to Australia Zoo, which won the award for Tourism Retailing.

"Australia Zoo is one of the world's best zoos, making a huge contribution to conservation and tourism. Every dollar earned at Australia Zoo is re-invested back in the Zoo for conservation efforts. Newly appointed Tourism Ambassador Terri Irwin is doing a fantastic job at promoting Australia through her conservation message, especially to our key American tourism market, “said Minister Fran Bailey.

Chairman of the National Tourism Alliance Col Hughes hosted the evening along with Qantas Regional General Manager NSW, Simon Bernardi.   Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism Fran Bailey was in attendance along with host state Minister for Tourism Sandra Nori.

“We are here to honour those people who have dedicated their time and efforts to developing the best products of the highest standards”, said the Regional General Manager NSW, Qantas, Simon Bernardi.

“Qantas is proud to be able to assist in presenting this year’s awards and to be provided the opportunity to meet so many of the operators who help to attract domestic and international visitors to Australia,” said Bernardi.

Entertaining the evening in style were the successful stage show Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Qantas Australian Children’s choir, along with a traditional indigenous Welcome to Country ceremony. Australia’s surf lifesavers were also recognised celebrating their centenary year of service.

Channel Seven personality Mark Beretta of Seven Sunrise  MC’d the event along with travel presenter Shelly Craft of the award-winning Great Outdoors program.

The 2006 Qantas Australian Travel and Tourism awards serve to recognise and reward excellence and the evenings announcements and festivities are our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the operators for their hard work and enthusiasm,” said Col Hughes.

Finalists for the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards are drawn from the State and Territory Tourism Awards across 27 categories with award winners listed below. A description of each of the recipients is also attached along with a low resolution image. 
 

The 2006 Australian Tourism Awards were supported by naming rights sponsor, Qantas,  platinum sponsor Tourism Australia  , host state Tourism NSW and other sponsors  Channel 7,  Star City, Ernst and Young,  Hunter Valley Wines, and Lion Nathan.

The Australian tourism industry is a $75 billion industry which provides jobs for more than half a million Australians, with more than 200,000 of these jobs in regional Australia 

2006 QANTAS Australian Tourism Award Category Winners are listed below.