Explore Rockhampton Strikes Silver at the Australian Tourism Awards!

Published on 18 March 2024

L-R - Zac Freuden from Live to Create, Zac Garven, Sam Buschwald from Live to Create.jpg

Advance Rockhampton, Rockhampton Regional Council’s Tourism, Industry Development, Marketing and Major Events team are triumphantly celebrating after clinching the SILVER Award in the Tourism Marketing Campaigns category at the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards ceremony held on Friday night, March 15th 2024 in the Northern Territory.

This outstanding achievement marks a significant milestone for Rockhampton, highlighting its exceptional contributions to the tourism industry and its commitment to delivering outstanding visitor experiences.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said that Rockhampton proudly represented all of Queensland in its category at the Australian Tourism Awards.

“This prestigious accolade is a testament to the city's unwavering dedication, innovation, and passion for showcasing the best of what regional Australia has to offer,” Mayor Williams said.

“Tourism contributes more than $416 million to our region’s economy each year, so putting our region on show to the nation is a fantastic way to keep those visitors coming and telling their friends.”

Advance Rockhampton Tourism and Events Manager Zac Garven said the Australian Tourism Awards serve as a platform to celebrate excellence, innovation, and sustainability within the tourism industry, bringing together industry leaders, stakeholders, and enthusiasts from across the country.

“After winning gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards in November in the ‘Richard Power Award for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns’ category, Advance Rockhampton progressed to represent Queensland at a national level for the Explore Rockhampton ‘Ultimate Mates Trip’ marketing campaign, Mr Garven said.”

“A collaboration with influencers Live To Create, the ‘Ultimate Mates Trip’ campaign highlighted the best of the Beef, Barra and Burnout Capital of Australia, contributing to inspiring 580,000 people to visit the Rockhampton region in 2023.”

“Explore Rockhampton were among 180 finalists across all categories at the Australian Tourism Awards, 21 of which were from Queensland, so this was a remarkable achievement for the Explore Rockhampton brand.”

Other winners in the Tourism Marketing and Campaigns’ category included The Tweed Tourism Company, New South Wales who took out the gold award and BIG Reasons to visit Mandurah, Western Australia winning bronze.

To find out more about Explore Rockhampton’s Ultimate Mates Trip campaign, visit www.explorerockhampton.com.au/mates

To find out more about the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, visit: https://www.qualitytourismaustralia.com/australian-tourism-awards/