In February this year Mareeba Heritage Centre Inc (Centre) nominated Mareeba in the inaugural Queensland Top Tourism Awards.

Mareeba a finalist in the running to be named Queensland’s Top Tourism Town (population over 5000).

The Top Tourism Town Awards aim to recognise and reward towns:

• that offer an amazing visitor experience
• where tourism operators, businesses and the local community work together to make their town the best destination it can be
• who demonstrate a strong commitment and encourage tourism and increased visitation

The program was introduced in each state and territory as a new initiative this year, in parallel with but separate from the Australian Tourism Awards series. State winners have the opportunity to represent Queensland at the National Awards and be named Australia’s Top Tourism Town!

Nominations were accepted by an accredited Visitor Information Centre. Visitor Information Centres were encouraged to work with their Regional Tourism Organisation, Local Tourism Organisation, Council or committed group of local operators.

The award submission prepared by the Centre included an editorial article with 6 high-resolutions images, 2 hero images, 30 second – 2 minute promotional video highlighting the key attractions and experiences in Mareeba and a 3-4 day self drive itinerary for a defined market. See links below to review parts of the submission:

DAY 1 Let’s Meet in Mareeba Itinerary – Adventures for the tribe

DAY 2 Let’s Meet in Mareeba Itinerary – More adventures for the tribe

DAY 3 Let’s Meet in Mareeba Itinerary – Tribes final adventures

Last week Centre Manager, Janet Greenwood, joined 37 outstanding finalists from across the state competing for the hotly contested award in Brisbane.  Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe congratulated this year’s winners and finalists at the event.

Mr Hinchliffe said, “The Top Tourism Towns Awards are terrific way of recognising the operators and communities who have worked hard to create great visitor experiences.”

“Successful tourism towns are overwhelming the communities who have recognised and adapted to changing visitor expectations and are rebuilding better for the future.”

The Centre would like to thank everyone involved in preparing the video – Brad Newton Photography; Golden Drop Winery; HotAir Balloon; Granite Gorge Nature Park; Skybury; Coffee Works; The Gateway Hotel; Savannah in the Round; Mareeba Markets and all the wonderful volunteer talent.  To encourage public consumer voting support was provided by Mareeba Shire Council, Mareeba Chamber of Commerce, The Express, NQ Radio and Angela Freeman, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.

The Centre congratulates Noosa and Agnes Water – 1770, Queensland’s Top Tourism Towns!  For details visit QTIC.

For further comment, please call Janet Greenwood, General Manager, Mareeba Heritage Centre and Visitor Information Centre, on 4092 2906.