16 June 2025: Queensland’s leading tourism destinations and the state’s top tour guide have been crowned at a special ceremony at 1 William Street in Brisbane, marking another milestone for regional tourism excellence.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) announced the 2025 winners of the Top Tourism Town Awards, presented by AirBnB, recognising the outstanding contributions of communities across the state in welcoming visitors year-round.
Taking out top honours were Town of 1770 for Tiny Tourism Town (population under 1,500); Airlie Beach for Small Tourism Town (population 1,500–5,000); and Bowen, which claimed the title of Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000).
Also awarded on the night was Queensland’s Top Tour Guide for 2025, which was awarded to Joel McPherson, Founder and Managing Director of Sunshine Coast based, Joel’s Journeys.
All winners will now represent Queensland in the National Top Tourism Awards later this year.
The event was attended by The Hon. Andrew Powell MP, Minister for the Environment, Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, alongside QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler, with attendees celebrating the spirit and strength of Queensland’s tourism sector.
Ms Wheeler said the awards were a significant acknowledgement of the people and places that make Queensland a leading destination.
“These awards are about honouring the dedication of our local communities and tourism operators who create memorable experiences for visitors to and from Queensland. It’s another way we can recognise the important role tourism plays in the State’s economy and thank the many small businesses who are the fabric of this very important industry,” she said.
Major prizes include a $20,000 billboard advertising package from Bishopp Billboards and a sustainable tourism event support package from EarthCheck valued at up to $20,000. The sustainability package includes bespoke mentoring from EarthCheck, verified sustainable event assessments, and access to measurement and planning tools.
Winners also receive a Top Tourism Town trophy, a digital winner’s logo for promotional use, and the opportunity to shine a spotlight on their town on the national stage.
Wheeler noted the awards are part of QTIC’s broader commitment to supporting the tourism sector through initiatives that also include a registered trade skills pathway program, a gateway to industry schools program, industry workforce advisor support, and accreditation.
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