Queensland Sweeps Australian Tourism Awards with Twelve Major Wins, Cementing Its Status as Australia’s Home of the Holiday

Published on
March 7, 2026

Queensland’s tourism sector has recorded a milestone achievement, securing its most significant triumph at the Australian Tourism Awards since 2022. The state’s operators celebrated an impressive overall tally of twelve accolades, including seven gold, two silver, and three bronze awards. This remarkable success has been viewed as a strong endorsement of the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 strategy, a long-term plan designed to re-establish Queensland as Australia’s premier tourism destination.

The awards, hosted by the Australian Tourism Council, represent the highest level of national recognition within the industry. They acknowledged outstanding performance across a range of categories including events, destinations, accommodation, and unique visitor experiences. Queensland’s success was interpreted as a clear reflection of the renewed focus and investment the state has placed in developing world-class tourism products after years of underperformance.

Reviving Growth After a Decade of Decline

The latest recognition has arrived at a pivotal moment for the state’s visitor economy. Queensland had faced a decade-long decline in tourism growth, attributed to earlier underinvestment and limited policy action. With the launch of Destination 2045, the Crisafulli Government has introduced a comprehensive strategy that firmly places tourism and hospitality at the core of Queensland’s economic revitalization agenda.

This revitalized focus aims to not only restore but elevate Queensland’s global positioning by supporting operators through infrastructure improvements, innovation funding, and destination marketing. The results seen at the national awards are being celebrated across the tourism community as evidence that a sustained turnaround is well underway.

Recognizing Excellence Across Diverse Categories

The 2026 Australian Tourism Awards ceremony showcased Queensland’s breadth of talent and tourism diversity. Among the state’s top performers were iconic experiences, boutique resorts, and innovative operations that have demonstrated creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

The seven gold winners included the Abbey Medieval Festival in the Festivals and Events category and Cape York Peninsula Lodge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences. Beenleigh Artisan Distillery was honored in Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries, while the BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park and Motel triumphed under Caravan and Holiday Parks. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort received the award for 4–4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation, while Turtle Sands Nature Resort was recognized as the nation’s leading New Tourism Business. Bay Island Lifestyle secured gold for Excellence in Accessible Tourism, a reflection of Queensland’s growing focus on inclusive and accessible travel.

Silver awards went to the Cairns Convention Centre for Business Event Venues and Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures in the Major Tour and Transport Operators category. The bronze winners included Fun Over 50 Holidays for Ecotourism, St George Region Explore Centre for Visitor Information Services, and The Reef House Adults Retreat for 5 Star Luxury Accommodation.

Together, these twelve award-winning organizations underscore Queensland’s ability to deliver outstanding travel experiences that cater to wide-ranging traveler interests, from luxury stays and cultural heritage to sustainability and local adventure.

Destination 2045: The Blueprint for a Tourism Renaissance

Queensland’s renewed success in the tourism industry has been attributed to the Destination 2045 plan — a strategic long-term vision to strengthen the state’s standing as Australia’s tourism capital. The plan focuses on sustainable development, diversified tourism offerings, and the creation of premium products designed to attract both domestic and international visitors.

Under this framework, major investments are being directed toward enhancing visitor experiences, improving accessibility, and supporting the growth of environmentally responsible tourism enterprises. By encouraging public-private partnerships and empowering regional operators, the strategy aims to ensure sustainable growth that benefits local communities and the state’s overall economy.

The strong showing at the national awards is therefore seen not simply as recognition of individual businesses, but as a collective reflection of Queensland’s transformation into a destination defined by innovation, inclusivity, and global competitiveness.

Endorsements Reflect Industry-Wide Confidence

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell described the results as a defining achievement for Queensland’s tourism operators and the state’s global brand identity. He emphasized that the awards demonstrate the strength, resilience, and creativity of Queensland’s tourism businesses and acknowledge their contribution to the state’s economy and reputation.

Minister Powell also expressed that Queensland’s success reflects the hard work and determination of operators who continuously deliver experiences unavailable elsewhere. Through the Destination 2045 agenda, the state is not only lifting standards but setting new national benchmarks for quality and excellence.

Supporting this sentiment, Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Natassia Wheeler highlighted that the Australian Tourism Awards remain the pinnacle of national recognition for tourism excellence. She commended all Queensland winners and finalists for their professionalism and ability to represent the state proudly at the national level. According to her, the seven national gold awards illustrate Queensland’s depth, diversity, and leadership within the Australian tourism landscape.

These sentiments underscore that Queensland’s achievements are not isolated wins but the result of a deliberate and coordinated approach to workforce development, destination branding, and tourism investment.

The Sunshine State Reclaims Its Tourism Crown

The awards night has been framed as a celebration not only of operational excellence but also of the spirit that drives the Sunshine State’s tourism sector. Following years of underinvestment and stagnation, Queensland’s resurgence symbolizes more than recovery — it represents the reassertion of its rightful place at the forefront of Australian tourism.

Each winning operator, from the historic Abbey Medieval Festival to the eco-conscious Turtle Sands Nature Resort, contributes to defining what makes Queensland unique: authentic storytelling, natural beauty, and hospitality that resonates with travelers from around the world. As these operators continue to innovate, they reinforce Queensland’s identity as the Home of the Holiday — a destination that embodies world-class experiences and an irresistibly warm welcome.

Setting the Standard for the Future

With its 2026 achievements, Queensland has signaled to the rest of Australia that the state’s tourism revitalization is well underway. The Crisafulli Government’s results-driven focus on the tourism economy appears to be paying dividends, creating strong industry confidence and renewed investor interest.

The ongoing implementation of the Destination 2045 strategy is expected to sustain this momentum for decades, paving the way for continuous growth in visitor numbers, higher international visibility, and more diversified tourism opportunities.

By combining visionary leadership, strategic investment, and the unmatched passion of its operators, Queensland has once again demonstrated that it stands firmly as the nation’s tourism leader — and a destination where every visitor can truly experience the best of Australia.