Tourism operators urged to showcase excellence

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Tourism operators are being encouraged to get involved with the Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce business excellence awards.

Nominations opened recently in 17 categories are several of these are specifically for tourism.

Kellys Beach Resort has experienced success in tourism awards.
Kellys Beach Resort has experienced success in tourism awards. Source: Kellys Beach Resort

Business director at Kellys Beach Resort, Loni Hammond, said it's worthwhile to showcase excellence.

The resort has won a local award for accommodation previously and went on to win bronze at state level in a crowded field.

“We use the regional and state awards process to refocus the implementation of our plans, to analyse where we are at with goals and tasks, and to see in black and white everything we have accomplished for the year,” Loni said.

“All that aside, we hope that entering shows our staff we think what they do, day in day out to welcome guests to the Bundaberg Region, is award winning in itself.”

Regional tourism awards align with state

Bundaberg Tourism general manager Katherine Reid said interest among operators had grown since tourism categories were added three years ago.

“Whether someone wants to nominate a business that they love, or if a business owner or staff member wants to celebrate their success by nominating themselves, it’s certainly worth the time to be recognised in these prestigious regional awards,” Ms Reid said.

“The tourism categories have been introduced by Bundaberg Tourism, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, to align the regional award process with the State Tourism Awards.

“The aim is to encourage more of our remarkable tourism businesses to engage with the awards process, as well as reinforcing the tourism industry as a strong contributor to the regional economy.

“The tourism categories of the regional awards are a submission-based program and provide the businesses that enter the opportunity to take a critical look at their business progress and activity over the previous 12 months.

“The awards event is a wonderful opportunity to publicly acknowledge and showcase the Bundaberg’s region’s finest tourism and business operators and celebrate together the prosperous business community here in Bundaberg.”

Chamber president Yale Morgan said the annual event highlighted many fantastic businesses offering outstanding service and leadership in their field.

“If you feel a particular business is worthy of recognition in front of their peers, then please put that business forward,” he said.

“All nominations are kept confidential unless you are happy to share.”

Award categories

  • New Business of the Year
  • Micro / Home Based Business of the Year
  • Agribusiness of the Year
  • Hospitality Business Of The Year
  • Retail Business of the Year
  • Student of the year
  • Professional Services Business of the Year
  • Personal Services Business of the Year
  • Tourism Visitor Attractions Business Of The Year
  • Tourism Accommodation Business of The Year
  • Tourism Culinary Business Of The Year
  • Tourism Festivals and Events Business of the Year
  • Tourism New Business Of The Year
  • Trades Business Of The Year
  • Industrial & Manufacturing Business of the Year
  • Health and Well Being Business of the Year
  • Community Organisation of the Year

All nominated businesses will be given a nomination pack and judging will be done by independent judges.

The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, 25 May, with details to be advised soon.

  • Nomination form

Bundaberg Regional Council is a sponsor of the awards and Auswide Bank is the major sponsor.