Rockhampton Region shines at 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards
Published on 06 November 2024
The Rockhampton Region has struck GOLD at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards for its groundbreaking accessible tourism campaign, while also continuing to excel in major events delivery.
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.
Nominated by Advance Rockhampton, Rockhampton Regional Council’s Tourism, Industry Development, Marketing and Major Events team, Explore Rockhampton has claimed GOLD in the 'Richard Power Award for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns' category for the second consecutive year. This year's winning Accessible Tourism Campaign aims to assist local tourism operators in becoming inclusive to the needs of travellers with a disability and provide the knowledge holiday makers need in advance to plan a visit to our region. It addresses a $10.8 billion market opportunity while positioning Rockhampton as a leader in inclusive destination marketing and visitor experiences.
Rare Spares Rockynats has maintained its BRONZE standing in the 'Major Festivals and Events' category for the second year running. Queensland's largest car and bike festival shattered records in 2024, attracting 57,274 attendees and generating $7.47 million in economic impact for the Rockhampton region.
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
Rockynats05 is on 4-6 April 2025. To find out more, visit www.rockynats.com.au
To find out more about the Queensland Tourism Awards, visit: www.qtic.com.au/queensland-tourism-awards
Video news release and promotional content can be found in our media kit.
ENDS