Adventure Queensland (AQ), were delighted to announce the winners of the 2019 Adventure Tourism Awards hosted at The Island, Gold Coast on Thursday 14 November.
Youth Tourism industry operators large and small from across Australia and New Zealand were recognised across 33 award categories for their valuable contribution to our vibrant and diverse youth tourism sector.
The event was organised by Adventure Queensland (AQ), the peak backpacking and independent travel industry body for Queensland, who recognise the need for industry collaboration within the Australian and New Zealand youth tourism sector.
Working alongside Backpacker Operators Association NSW (BOA) and the Backpacker Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP), the Adventure Tourism Awards provides an opportunity for industry members to come together and celebrate outstanding contribution and excellence.
Thanks to the wonderful support of sponsors including Tourism Australia, Smart Bunks and Destination Gold Coast the event was once again a resounding success.
President of Adventure Queensland, Norman Jenkin was delighted to welcome over 270 attendees to the awards evening in celebration of the hard work and success displayed across our industry.
Sales and Marketing Manager of the Millet Group Andrew Cowan received the Young Industry Legend Award, while the Former Resort Owner of Halse Lodge Backpacker and Director of Adventure Queensland Drew Pearson, took home the Industry Legend Award.
2019 Adventure Tourism Awards Winners
| CATEGORY | WINNER | FINALISTS |
| Sustainability and Ecotourism | Kanu Kapers Australia | Ocean Rafting, Whitsundays Sailing Adventures |
| Best Transport – Australia | Spaceships Campervans | Jucy Cars & Campers, Stray Australia |
| Best Transport – New Zealand | Stray New Zealand | Kiwi Experience, Spaceships Rentals New Zealand |
| Best Backpacker Night – Australia | The Woolshed | Scary Canary, Side Bar |
| Best Backpacker Night – New Zealand | Loco Cantina | |
| Best Accommodation NSW | Sydney Harbour YHA | Base Backpackers Sydney, Wakeup! Byron Bay |
| Best Accommodation NT | Jump Inn Alice Budget Accommodation | Melaleuca on Mitchell Darwin |
| Best Accommodation QLD | Bounce Cairns | Cairns Central YHA, Noosa Flashpackers |
| Best Accommodation TAS | Hobart Central YHA | The Nook Backpackers, The Pickled Frog Backpackers |
| Best Accommodation VIC | Grampians Eco YHA | United Backpackers |
| Best Accommodation WA | Old Swan Barracks | Billabong Backpackers Resort |
| Best Accommodation – AUSTRALIA | Grampians Eco YHA | Noosa Flashpackers, Sydney Harbour YHA |
| Best Accommodation – NEW ZEALAND | Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers | Haka Lodges, JUCY Snooze |
| Best Tour/Activity NSW | Surfcamp Australia | Stray Australia, Ultimate Adventure Travel |
| Best Tour/Activity NT | Crocosaurus Cove | Wayoutback Australian Safaris |
| Best Tour/Activity QLD | Nomads Fraser Island Tours | Ocean Safari, Ocean Rafting |
| Best Tour/Activity SA | Calypso Star Charters | |
| Best Tour/Activity TAS | Jump Tours | |
| Best Tour/Activity VIC | Welcome To Travel | Skydive Australia, Walks 101 |
| Best Tour/Activity WA | Live Ningaloo | Skydive Australia |
| Best Tour AUSTRALIA | Nomads Fraser Island Tours | Prosail Whitsundays, True Blue Sailing |
| Best Tour NEW ZEALAND | Stray New Zealand | Haka Tours, Kiwi Experience |
| Best Activity Australia | Live Ningaloo | Ocean Safari, Ocean Rafting |
| Best Activity New Zealand | Go Orange | JUCY Cruise Milford Sound |
| Best Online Travel Agent | Bookme | Sailing Whitsundays, TourRadar |
| Best Travel Agent – Australia | Peterpans Travel | Happy Travels, Travel Up! |
| Best Travel Agent – New Zealand | Peterpans Travel | Happy Travels New Zealand |
| Cultural Tourism Australia | Walkabout Cultural Adventures | Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, Jarramalli Rock Art Tours |
| Cultural Tourism New Zealand | Haka Tours | |
| Best Youth/ Adventure Marketed Destination | NOOSA Sunshine Coast | Cairns, Whitsundays |
| Innovation Award | Travello | Got to Get Out, Tipi |
| Young Industry Legend | Andrew Cowan, Sales and Marketing Manager of Millet Group | |
| Industry Legend | Drew Pearson, Former owner of Halse Lodge Noosa and Adventure Queensland Director |