Roma, Airlie Beach and Winton were the big winners at the 2024 Queensland Top Tourism Town awards.
The annual awards celebrate regional communities that show a commitment to visitor excellence.
An extensive judging process by tourism experts, as well as a public vote that attracted more than 16,000 responses, narrowed the field of Queensland’s top holiday destinations to 16 finalists.
Three regional centres were crowned the best based on population size.
For the third consecutive year, Airlie Beach won Queensland Top Small Tourism Town with a population between 1500 and 5000 and Winton, with a population under 1500, won Queensland Top Tiny Tourism Town.
Outback icon Roma, meanwhile, was named the 2024 Queensland Top Tourism Town, with a population of more than 5000.
“This award recognises the many years of hard work by the tourism industry and business community,“ said Roma Commerce and Tourism general manager Debbie Joppich.
“It highlights the quality tourism product and experiences that visitors are enjoying but, most of all, it acknowledges every smile to a visitor and excellent customer service delivered.
“We are so proud to live in this community where our visitors are also feeling the love.“
Magnetic Island’s Adam Hinks from Aquascene was announced Queensland’s best tour guide for 2024. The accolade recognises a tour guide who goes above and beyond in providing guests with an outstanding visitor experience.
State winners from the Top Tourism Town Awards and Top Tour Guide Award will go on to represent Queensland at the national awards held later in the year, where they have the chance to be crowned the best in Australia.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Brett Fraser said:
“Congratulations to Queensland’s top tourism towns, Roma, Airlie Beach and Winton.
“It takes an entire community to create a wonderful and welcoming guest experience. While attractions may drive visitors to our regional destinations, it is the locals who create unforgettable memories.
“Well done to all the incredible finalists – tiny and big – for uniting in delivering exceptional holiday experiences. We applaud their remarkable efforts in helping to make Queensland a world-class destination.
“Congratulations to all the finalists in the Top Tour Guide Award and to this year’s winner Adam Hinks from Aquascene. We owe much to our state’s tour guides, who captivate audiences and fill guests with a richer appreciation for Queensland.”
Top Tourism Town (population more than 5000) finalists and winner:
Roma – GOLD
Redcliffe – SILVER
Bowen – BRONZE
Rockhampton
Top Small Tourism Town (population 1500 to 5000) finalists and winner:
Airlie Beach – GOLD
Longreach – SILVER
Agnes Water – BRONZE
Kilcoy
Cloncurry
Top Tiny Tourism Town (population below 1500) finalists and winner:
Winton – GOLD
Quilpie – SILVER
Toogoolawah – BRONZE
Hughenden
Collinsville
Wandoan
Croydon
Queensland Top Tour Guide finalists and winner:
Adam Hinks from Aquascene – GOLD
Jessica Blackmore from Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort – SILVER
Joel McPherson from Joel’s Journeys – BRONZE
James Boettcher from FNQ Nature Tours.
