Ipswich’s Visitor Information Centre has claimed gold for the city at the 38th annual Queensland Tourism Awards in Cairns.
This was its sixth Queensland Tourism Award in the Visitor Information Services category.
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said the award comes on the back of recent figures highlighting a record tourism spend in the city.
“This win, a sixth for the Centre, honours the passionate and knowledgeable volunteers that have welcomed tourists to Ipswich for more than 35 years,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“The Visitor Information Centre is one of our hidden gems, the gateway to the tourism experiences and opportunities on offer across the region.
“This win is a nod to the city, its tourism products and services and the staff and volunteers that work rostered shifts 361 days a year.”
Cr Kunzelmann said it was a feather in the cap for land-locked Ipswich as Queensland’s iconic beaches and islands were often favourites across various award categories.
“We have so many amazing things to do and places to go in Ipswich, and we are obviously getting our tourism message out to the wider public,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“This award is recognition that Ipswich punches above its weight when it comes to tourism. It shows we have a lot of fantastic things to see and do in Ipswich.
“When visiting Ipswich, people have a diverse range of activities to experience. Visitors can feed and pet llamas, hike to the top of the tallest mountain peak in region, indulge in luxurious experiences like hot air balloon rides and gourmet picnics, or stay in charming country retreats.”
The Visitor Information Centre provides information for tourists across the full suite of Discover Ipswich’s satellite sites across the region, and digital channels, including the website, social media and Google.
Visitor Information Centre staff and volunteers also sell local merchandise, produce and souvenirs, take bookings and sell tickets for tourism products, provide travel information for Queensland and Northern New South Wales, offer tours in partnership with local tourism and hospitality businesses and activate at major events like CMC Rocks.
Ipswich is now automatically entered into the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be announced at a ceremony held in Darwin in March 2024.
The Ipswich Visitor Information Centre opened in 1988 to leverage from increased visitation to SEQ due to World Expo ’88. The centre is currently reviewing its operations to ensure it is positioned to welcome visitors attending the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in our region.
Back in 2015 the centre was inducted into the Hall of Fame after winning its third consecutive Visitor Services gold medal, it also took out the top award back in 2011 and again later in 2017.
Discover Ipswich has also previously won gold in the Richard Power Award for Destination Marketing (2017), and in 2013 in the Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group category.
For all the best things to see and do in Ipswich visit: Discover Ipswich
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