The Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) Awards Gala Dinner has once again showcased the outstanding achievements of our region’s tourism operators, individuals and volunteers, recognising their contributions to making the Mackay Isaac region a must-visit destination in Queensland.

Taking place at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Friday, 4th October 2024, the Awards Dinner themed 'Captain’s Table,' set the tone for an evening of celebration and reflection.

MIT CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris extended his congratulations to all award entrants and expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from members, stakeholders, and the wider tourism community.

"Tourism plays a pivotal role in the Mackay Isaac region, not only by driving economic growth but by sharing our unique natural beauty, culture, and experiences with visitors from all corners of the country and the globe”, Mr Stewart-Harris said.

“In the year ending June 2024 the Mackay Isaac region launched three major destination marketing campaigns and supported several fantastic events which resulted in 1.144 million overnight domestic and international visitors.

"Without the enthusiasm and passion of our members, partners, stakeholders and volunteers, this success wouldn’t be possible.

“On behalf of the entire MIT board and staff, I’d like to congratulate all of tonight’s winners and finalists for your outstanding achievements.

“It is your dedication to creativity and commitment to excellence that continues to make our region a destination of choice”.

The evening's winners spanned categories from accommodation to visitor experiences and events, each celebrating the innovative approaches and outstanding service that make the Mackay Isaac region a leader in Queensland’s tourism sector.

2024 Mackay Isaac Tourism Award Recipients:

Festivals and Events
- Gold: St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend, Isaac Regional Council
- Silver: The Wombat Festival, Clermont Artslink
- Bronze: Harrup Park and Great Barrier Reef Arena

Adventure Tourism
- Gold: Wake House Australia

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
- Gold: Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail Campaign, Mackay Regional Council

Business Event Venues
- Gold: Harrup Park and Great Barrier Reef Arena
- Silver: Windmill Motel & Events Centre
- Bronze: Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

Tour & Transport Operators
- Gold: Bush Heli Services
- Silver: Oh Deere Farm Stay and Tours

Ecotourism
- Gold: Golden Prospecting Tours

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
- Gold: Moss on Wood - Rydges Mackay Suites
- Silver: Harrup Park Country Club

Excellence in Food Tourism
- Gold: Sarina Sugar Shed

Unique Accommodation
- Gold: Oh Deere Farm Stay

3-3.5 Star Accommodation
- Gold: Comfort Resort Blue Pacific
- Silver: The Shamrock Gardens Motel at Mackay

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
- Gold: Quest Mackay On Gordon
- Silver: Rydges Mackay Suites

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
- Karinda Anderson, Oh Deere Farm Stay

Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group
- Gold: Caitlyn Mittelstadt, Central Queensland Hike and Explore
- Silver: Central Queensland Hike and Explore
- Bronze: Jim Mifsud, Mackay Visitor Information Centre

Best of Queensland Tour or Attraction
- Gold: Wildcat Mackay
- Silver: Sarina Sugar Shed

Best of Queensland Food & Dining
- Gold: The Flackyard
- Silver: Sarina Sugar Shed Café

Best of Queensland Camping/Caravan Accommodation
- Gold: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park

Best of Queensland Hotel/Motel Accommodation
- Gold: Comfort Resort Blue Pacific
- Silver: Country Roads Motor Inn Dysart

People’s Choice Award – Favourite Accommodation Provider
- Oh Deere Farm Stay

People’s Choice Award – Favourite Operator or Experience Provider
- Oh Deere Farm Stay and Tours

In the company of over 150 industry professionals, Mackay Isaac Tourism Acting Chair Rob Cocco and fellow Board Director Al Grundy took the opportunity to launch MIT’s Cruise Ship Strategy.

Recognising the potential at the Port of Mackay, MIT have set out to position Mackay as an attractive cruise ship destination through effective marketing, relationships, capacity building and promotional initiatives.

MIT Acting Chair Rob Cocco said the MIT Cruise Ship Strategy aims to delineate a comprehensive plan for the Mackay region to embrace cruise ships and facilitate day shore excursions.

“The goal is to leverage the Port of Mackay’s proximity to a wharf within the harbour and semi-diurnal tide conditions, offering 12 hours of shore time for passengers on ships of up to 230 metres”, Mr Cocco said.

“We have a good balance of paid versus free indoor and outdoor product, which is a positive driver of increased visitor dispersal and expenditure, putting Mackay in a competitive position compared to some similar regional cruise destinations”.

MIT Board Director Al Grundy added that there were several drivers to developing the MIT Cruise Ship Strategy.

“The estimated national economic impacts generated by cruise tourism expenditure, converted to cruise tourism output, in Australia between 2022 and 2023 had a total value-added impact of $2.94 billion, including a direct impact of $1.32 billion1”, Mr Grundy said.

“This influx of tourist spending is expected to stimulate business activity, create job opportunities, and generate revenue for local businesses, suppliers, and providers.

“Existing operators can both improve their product development and delivery for cruise passengers as well as other visitors to the region.

“We also expect to see an increase in the sense of community pride and engagement among local residents”.

The Cruise Ship Strategy has been made possible through funding support from the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and strategy funding partners North Queensland Bulk Ports and Regional Development Australia.

[ENDS]