Rockhampton Region Recognised in Top Tourism Town Award

Published on 09 June 2023

Rockhampton has secured its place as one of Queensland’s top tourism towns after being recognised as a finalist in the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC) Top Tourism Town Awards.

Rockhampton was identified as one of the finalists for its Explore Rockhampton with your mates campaign, which followed the lived experience of two content creator mates from Sydney exploring the great attractions and sites the Rockhampton region has to offer.

Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams, said it was a recognition of the great things to see and do in our local area and an acknowledgement of Rockhampton as a top tourist destination in 2023.

“We are so proud of our region and the many events, sites and attractions we have to offer,” Mayor Williams said.

“Tourism and the visitor economy is worth $433 million to our local area and supports over 2,100 full time jobs.

“It’s a big driver of local economic activity and it supports so many of our local businesses, including our local hotels, restaurants and retail stores.

“This is a great recognition of each and every individual in our tourism industry who make Rockhampton a great place to visit and stay and something we can build on in the years to come.”

Advance Rockhampton Acting Executive Manager, Zac Gaven, said inclusion in the QTIC awards would add to Rockhampton’s reputation as a holiday destination of choice.

“Where else can visitors discover one of Australia’s longest streets lined with heritage-listed buildings, a significant modern Australian collection in Queensland’s largest regional gallery, explore one of Australia’s richest gold mining towns, catch a trophy barra, play with meerkats and ride premier mountain bike trails,” Mr Gaven said.

“Through Advance Rockhampton, Council is investing in the visitor economy and working to attract tourists to our region.

“Explore Rockhampton and our ultimate mates trip campaign is delivering in spades through its modern, engaging and action-packed presentation and we are eager to continue to build on this success going forward.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Top Tourism Town Awards was held in Brisbane on Friday, 9 June with Caloundra taking out the Top Tourism Town Award (population over 5,000), Airlie Beach  taking out the Top Small Tourism Town Award (population 1,500-5,000) and Winton taking out the Top Tiny Tourism Town Award (population under 1,500).

QTIC’s awards program is part of the Australian Tourism Awards series, and as a State winner Rockhampton will now have the opportunity to represent Queensland at the National Awards, to be in the running to be named Australia’s Top Tourism Town.

For more information on QTIC’s awards program, visit www.qtic.com.au/top-tourism-award/

For more information on the Explore Rockhampton with your mates campaign, including the ‘Ultimate Mates Trip Itinerary’, visit explorerockhampton.com.au/mates