TASMANIA, 5 MARCH 2012 – Tasmania’s exceptional tourism experiences and marketers were recognised yesterday at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held in Cairns. In a landmark first for the state, five of Tasmania’s leading tourism operators took home the prestigious awards – the most national awards won by Tasmania in a single year. The awards are the latest in a series of high profile achievements for the state, which continues to grow from strength to strength in the depth and breadth of its quality tourism offerings.
The Tasmanian winners of the 2011 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards are:
·     Maria Island Walk – winner of the Adventure Tourism category;
·     The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel – winner of the Deluxe Accommodation category for the second year in a row;
·     Pure Tasmania – winner of the Tourism Marketing category;
·     Saffire Freycinet – winner of the Luxury Accommodation category, and
·     Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) – winner of the New Tourism Development category.
THE MARIA ISLAND WALK – WINNER ADVENTURE TOURISM CATEGORY
The multi-award winning Maria Island Walk is set in the world heritage-listed Maria Island National Park on Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast, and continues to represent the pinnacle of Tasmania’s adventure tourism offerings. Run by Ian Johnstone and his family, the four-day walk takes in some of Tasmania’s best assets – pristine wilderness, convict heritage, excellent Tasmanian food and wine, secluded beaches and knowledgeable guides with a passion for the island. The Maria Island Walk is a former winner for the Adventure Tourism category (2008). W: www.mariaislandwalk.com.au <http://www.mariaislandwalk.com.au>
SAFFIRE FREYCINET – WINNER LUXURY ACCOMMODATION CATEGORY
Saffire Freycinet is a luxury lodge nestled amongst bushland in the spectacular surrounds of Tasmania’s East Coast. Designed by renowned Tasmanian architect Robert Morris Nunn, Saffire’s entire ethos is based on setting a bold new direction for luxury holidaying. Only 20 exquisitely-appointed suites are available to guests, ensuring a bespoke, unforgettable experience that encourages a bond between the surrounding environment and its offerings. Guests are invited to personalise their stay before their visit, while a pocket concierge compendium outlines the inclusions (an airport Lounge, guided walks, visits to a working oyster farm, winery trips, canoeing and bird-watching, archery, cooking demonstrations, mixology master classes, star gazing and coastal activities) that add a truly luxurious touch to the stay. Saffire is an internationally award winning luxury lodge, and a first time winner of the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Luxury Accommodation category. W: http://saffire-freycinet.com.au <http://saffire-freycinet.com.au>
THE OLD WOOLSTORE APARTMENT HOTEL – WINNER DELUXE ACCOMMODATION CATEGORY
The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel is a smart inner-city hotel located just a block away from Hobart’s tranquil and picturesque waterfront. An iconic Hobart institution, it was formerly a wool storage and treatment facility around the turn of the 20th century, with part of the building (including the façade and saw-tooth roof line) listed by the National Trust as of historic importance. The building’s rich heritage has seen elements such as the original floors and equipment used at the wool store retained as hotel features, giving guests a glimpse into Hobart’s strong colonial history. The Old Woolstore was awarded “Best Redeveloped Industrial Building” in 1997, and is a multi-time recipient of the Australian Tourism Awards Deluxe Accommodation category. W: www.oldwoolstore.com.au <http://www.oldwoolstore.com.au>
MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART (MONA) – WINNER NEW TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) continues to be the rising star on Tasmania’s horizon. A celebration of architecture and art in all its forms and beauty, MONA is the private collection of one man’s thought provoking contemporary art work, set alongside the southern hemisphere’s largest collection of ancient coins, artifacts and Egyptian mummies. The site also includes eight striking glass and steel pavilions, a Wine Bar, a brewery (Moo Brew) and a restaurant (The Source). W: www.mona.net.au <http://www.mona.net.au>
PURE TASMANIA – WINNER TOURISM MARKETING CATEGORY
Pure Tasmania brings together the best of Tasmania’s tourism experiences, from lodges along stunning stretches of Tasmania’s coast to villages nestled at the edge of World Heritage wilderness, and chateaus a walk away from serene lakes and majestic mountains. They offer accommodation and unforgettable experiences at some of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations including Strahan, Freycinet, Cradle Mountain, Hobart and Launceston. The Pure Tasmania website includes a research, planning and booking tool for visitors. W: www.puretasmania.com.au <http://www.puretasmania.com.au>
For more information visit www.discovertasmania.com <http://www.discovertasmania.com> .
The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards are the tourism industry’s most prestigious awards event, respected for its commitment towards recognising and celebrating the Australian tourism operators that have demonstrated excellence and outstanding achievement.
