By Roy Weavers

Congratulations must go to Cairns Airport Pty Ltd CEO, Stephen Gregg, who was surprised and honoured to receive the award for most outstanding contribution by an individual at the Australian Tourism Awards on Saturday night.

The award recognises Stephen's enormous contribution to the development of the country's tourism industry over the past 35 years.

As well as being CEO of Cairns and Mackay Airports, Stephen is currently Chairman of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the CRC for Sustainable Tourism and a Director of Queensland Events.

He has also served as Managing Director of the Northern Territory Tourism Commission, CEO of Tourism Queensland and CEO of Dreamworld/White Water World theme park.