More than 50 Bundaberg Region businesses are celebrating after being named a Best of Queensland Experiences (BOQEP) by Tourism and Events Queensland.
In total 54 local businesses were recognised with Bundaberg Regional Council's Fairymead House, Alexandra Park Zoo and Hinkler Hall of Aviation among the top experiences.
The Bundaberg Region had the largest proportion of operators of any Queensland region with 68% of eligible businesses achieving this fantastic honour, reflecting the regional tourism industry’s commitment to meeting and exceeding consumer expectations.
Bundaberg Tourism's Trade and Industry Development Executive Loni Hammond said Bundaberg Region’s tourism operators worked really hard through the year to meet guests’ needs and expectations, and these awards acknowledge this commitment and dedication.
“Tourism is such a subjective industry and the reviews from our regional visitors are a key measure of whether we are offering memorable and meaningful experiences that leave a positive impact on travellers,” she said.
“As the region’s tourism organisation, we could not be prouder of our operators and our region and congratulate our Best of Queensland Experience operators for 2024 on continually improving and looking after our region’s visitors so well!”
The program assesses individual businesses of the visitor economy, through an independent set of criteria, which includes consistent delivery of an exceptional experience based on positive customer reviews; website with secure online booking; active and engaging social media presence; Regional Tourism Organisation membership; and accreditation through a peak industry body, with the best of the best achieving a total score of 100.
Impressively, 13 local operators achieved the maximum 100 points:
- Alexandra Park, Playground and Zoo
- BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Bargara
- Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience
- Fairymead House Sugar History Museum
- Hinkler Hall of Aviation
- Kellys Beach Resort
- Koola Beach Apartments Bargara
- Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
- Lady Musgrave Experience
- Manta Bargara Resort
- Mon Repos Turtle Centre
- NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park
- Villa Mirasol Motor Inn
The Bundaberg Region’s operators increased their scores across all criteria in 2024 compared to 2023, including customer reviews, which are calculated by Review Pro into a GRI Score out of 100.
Bundaberg’s GRI score of 89.3, which was above Queensland’s overall average, and five Bundaberg operators stood out with very high Review Pro GRI scores of above 95:
- Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours
- Ohana Cider House and Tropical Winery
- Rocky Point Retreat
- Hinkler Hall of Aviation
- Tinaberries
Tourism Minister Michael Healy released the 2024 results recently, congratulating 2,108 Queensland tourism products named on the prestigious list, cementing the state’s commitment to being Australia’s number one holiday destination.
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said at Tourism and Events Queensland they are proud to see more than 2,000 unique Queensland products achieve BOQE status.
“These are our leaders across the state in delivering world-class tourism experiences,” she said.
“This nation-leading program sets Queensland experiences apart in what is an incredibly competitive global market.
“From breath-taking accommodation to wildlife encounters, cultural exploration and natural wonders, there are memorable and spectacular experiences for every traveller in Queensland.
“By leading our marketing with Best of Queensland Experiences, we’re letting travellers across the globe know when you visit Queensland, you’ll find exceptional customer service and life-changing experiences go hand-in-hand.”
Bundaberg’s full list of BOQEP operators and information on how to become a BOQEP operator can be found at here.
