Cowboy Up Trail Riding will represent the Toowoomba region and compete for top honours at the 2013 Queensland Tourism Awards, proudly presented by Queensland Airports Limited.
The Emu Creek horse trail ride business has nominated for the Adventure Tourism category in Queensland’s largest and most prestigious annual tourism awards program which recognises the outstanding achievements of industry operators across the State.
Cowboy Up Trail Riding Owner/Operator Gillian Gould said nominating for the 2013 Queensland Tourism Awards was a prime opportunity to receive industry-wide recognition and profile their business within a highly-contestable tourist market. “We entered the Queensland Tourism Awards to increase our public profile.”
“The Awards program has given us an opportunity to revise our business plan and reflect on our goals for the business,” Ms Gould said. “We feel that an award-winning business has a greater appeal to customers when deciding where to spend their money.
If we were to win a Queensland Tourism Award, we believe ultimately it would improve our overall business and provide recognition for excellent customer service and good business management. The tourism market has certainly had its share of challenges over the past few years. Entering the Queensland Tourism Awards is a wonderful way to recognise our business overcoming those harder times because now our business is going strong, offering great customer service and a wonderful country experience.
“Our local Toowoomba region is working hard to be positioned as a recognised tourism destination. We like to think our business is part of that positive community progression.”
QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said nominations for the 29th Queensland Tourism Awards had increased by 12 per cent in 2013 compared to the previous year which is a positive sign for the industry. “The 2013 Awards will usher in a new category – Excellence in Food Tourism – which recognises the ever-expanding market of top quality businesses which feature Queensland produce as part of their tourism experience.”
“The Queensland Tourism Awards recognise hard-working tourism businesses throughout our great state and this year we’re excited to see an increase in nominations which coincide with some exciting new program announcements,” Mr Gschwind said. “This year will also see the introduction of Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards for each category which will align Queensland with the Australian Tourism Awards.”
Gold, Silver and Bronze winners from 32 categories will be announced on Friday 22 November at the newly opened RNA Convention Centre. More than 800 guests including Award entrants are expected to attend the Gala Ceremony. Gold Award winners will gain automatic entry into the Australian Tourism Awards.
The Queensland Tourism Awards are hosted by Queensland Tourism Industry Council and presented in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and the Queensland Government. For more information, please visit www.queenslandtourismawards.com.au or ‘Queensland Tourism Awards’ on Facebook.
Submitted by:
Frances Manfield
BBS
