‘Passion and innovation’: Coast shines at tourism awards
Queensland’s leading tourism operators, event organisers and experience providers have been recognised at the 40th annual Queensland Tourism Awards including five Sunshine Coast businesses.
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
The awards celebrated excellence and innovation in an industry that is now worth $34.7 billion1 to the state’s economy.
A gala event in Brisbane brought together more than 900 industry representatives to showcase the outstanding achievements that continue to shape our tourism success.
Among the Sunshine Coast businesses honoured were Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World (Tourist Attractions), Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat at Montville, The Country House at Hunchy (Hosted Accommodation), Saltwater Eco Tours sailing from Mooloolaba (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences) and Maleny Cheese Café (Excellence in Food Tourism).
Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Portfolio Councillor Joe Natoli said the Sunshine Coast continued to shine when it came to tourism excellence.
“These awards are a testament to the passion and innovation of our operators, who not only deliver world-class experiences but also showcase the unique character of our region,” Cr Joe Natoli said.
Why tourism is so important to our region
“Their success strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and reinforces why the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most desirable destinations. We couldn’t be prouder.”
The Awards, delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and supported by Queensland Airports Limited as Presenting Partner, marked the culmination of months of preparation, mentoring and assessment undertaken by hundreds of entrants through a rigorous process designed to build long-term capability across the sector.
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the Awards were as much about professional growth as they were about recognition.
“Every entrant undertakes a process of reflection, benchmarking and improvement. That’s what drives capability and consistency across our industry. The businesses we celebrated have invested in their people, their experiences and their communities – and that’s what will help shape Queensland’s reputation as a global destination.”
Ms Wheeler said the milestone 40th year of the Awards came at a defining time for the sector.
“Tourism is one of Queensland’s most important economic pillars – supporting more than 260,0002 jobs and contributing billions to the economy each year. As we look towards Brisbane 2032, there’s never been a more critical time to recognise and strengthen the talent that underpins our success.”
Queensland ‘home of the holiday’
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said he was blown away by the talent, dedication and range of the tourism operators recognised.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday – and for good reason,” Minister Powell said.
“The Awards are a public recognition of the sensational offerings put forward by operators the length and breadth of the State.
“But the real recognition is from the millions of visitors to Queensland, who take home memories of an incredible destination with incredible people making their visit unique.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson congratulated winners and finalists and said the gala represents a united industry who are ready to show the world what they’re made of.
“We celebrate the very best of Queensland tourism, the businesses and individuals who set the benchmark for excellence. It’s fantastic to see every corner of our state represented and to feel the spirit of collaboration that defines our industry.
“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists – your success strengthens our industry and inspires us as we look to the future.”
The event concluded Tourism Week 2025, following a successful week of industry collaboration through Destination IQ and DestinationQ – both focused on growing Queensland’s tourism leadership and global advantage.
The Queensland Tourism Awards are proudly supported by the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.
Sunshine Coast winners in the 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards:
Tourist Attractions, sponsored by Intrepid Travel
- Silver: Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Sunshine Coast (also a 2025 Sunshine Coast Business Award winner for Large Business Experiences)
Award for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences, sponsored by The Star Entertainment Group
- Silver: Saltwater Eco Tours (also a 2025 Sunshine Coast Business Award winner for Small Business Experiences)
Hosted Accommodation
- Gold: Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
- Bronze: The Country House at Hunchy
Excellence in Food Tourism, sponsored by Gallagher
- Silver: Maleny Cheese Cafe
A Brie-lliant months of wins
Maleny Cheese Factory is really milking the spotlight this month.
Fresh from taking out the Sunshine Coast Business Award for Food & Agribusiness (Large Business), they’ve also been crowned Australian Grand Dairy Awards Champion for their Apple and Cinnamon flavoured yoghurt.
Add the silver medal from the Queensland Tourism Awards for Excellence in Food Tourism, and global recognition in Switzerland for their Wasabi Club Cheddar and Buffalo Herb & Garlic Fetta – judged among 5,000 cheeses from 46 countries – and they’ve got a brie-lliant run of success worth celebrating!
1Tourism Research Australia – International and National Visitors Survey Year ending September 2024
2Tourism Research Australia – State Tourism Satellite Accounts 2022–23