The inaugural Port Douglas Magazine Awards were held on Wednesday night to recognise the tireless efforts of the people who make our area such a drawcard for visitors.

Nearly 100 people walked the red carpet to attend the gala event in the stunning surrounds of tourismportdouglas.com.au office at Merdien Marina. It was a night to indulge.

Dressed to impress, guests were treated to scrumptious food from Port Douglas Catering and Events, partook in the new range of Port Douglas Heritage Wines, whose launch coincided with the event, and were entertained by the dulcet tones of Gusman.

More photos of Port Douglas Magazine Awards Night

Managing Director of Tourism Media Group, Sam Cullen, said the awards were unique to the region.

"The Port Douglas Magazine Awards are not industry awards, and the businesses do not need to pay an entry fee. These are consumer choice awards and it's the consumers who votes for their favourite business so it means so much more," he said.

Over 1600 votes were received from all over the world including many countries in Europe, the US, and even a postal vote sent all the way from Ontario Canada.

Awards were presented in 19 categories recognising the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors of which Port Douglas  can be proud.

Major awards winners included Lady Douglas (Best tourism product), Mantra Aqueous (Best Accommodation), Salsa Bar & Grill (Best Restaurant), and Tshinta (Best Retailer).

See the full list of winners and finalist below!

Tshinta's Julie Bell was proud to be the winner of the Best Retailer category after 23 years of service.

"I'm just blown away. It's awesome to be recognised after all these years. It (the Port Douglas Magazine Awards) is the best thing for this town, and I'd like to thank my customers and especially my staff who are just the best."

In addition to the consumer awards, recognition was given to three individuals in the Editor's Award For Excellence. Paula Johnson and Ken Dobbs (PD Chamber of Commerce) for their work with Carnivale, and Jason Roles (GM of Meridien Marina) for his efforts in developing the cruise ship industry in Port Douglas.

Mr Dobbs said he was taken aback when presented with the award. "I was pleased, but surprised, what I do I do because I enjoy doing it. I like serving the community."

He added that the Chamber was happy to be part of the successful event. "It's overdue and most welcome to see somebody recognising our best businesses, The Chamber of Commerce was pleased to support the night."

Port Douglas Magazine Editor, Roy Weavers, highlighted the importance of people like this to our town.

"It's right to recognise people in this town who don't get much publicity, but who make things happen. They're selfless individuals who don't get thanked enough and that's why we dedicated these awards to them."

Quicksilver, Sheraton Mirage, Bally Hooley Railway, and Tshinta were given the honour of being the first inductees into the Port Douglas Magazine Awards Hall of Fame.

Candidates for the Hall of Fame must have been established for at least 20 years, and have made a major contribution to the area.

Voting for the 2011 Awards opens on 1 November, 2010, to coincide with the release of Issue 4 of Port Douglas Magazine - Jewel of the Pacific Rim.

More photos of Port Douglas Magazine Awards Night

The full list of finalists and winners is set out below;

BEST RESTAURANT

WINNER - Salsa Bar and Grill

Finalists
Zinc Lounge and Bar
Sublime at beach Club
On The Inlet
Bucci

RECOMMENDED LIFESTYLE DINING

WINNER - Salsa Bar and Grill

Finalists
Zinc Lounge and Bar
Sublime at Beach Club
Lure
On The Inlet

RECOMMENDED BREAKFAST

WINNER - Wildlife Habitat

Finalists
The Surf Club
Café Fresq
Lure
Sea Temple

RECOMMENDED COFFEE

WINNER – Whileaway Cafe

Finalists
Origin Espresso
Lure
Sugarworks
The Coffee Club

RECOMMENDED FRIENDLIEST SERVICE

WINNER - Mocka’s pies

Finalists
Salsa Bar and Grill
Billys by the Sea
Bel Cibo
Paddy’s

BEST TOURISM PRODUCT

WINNER - Lady Douglas

Finalists
Poseidon
Wildlife Habitat
Quicksilver
Sky Safari

RECOMMENDED REEF TRIP

WINNER - Poseidon

Finalists
Sailaway IV
Calypso
Quicksilver
Haba

RECOMMENDED DAINTREE TOUR

Winner - Tony’s Tropical Tours

Finalists
Bruce Belchers River cruise
Solar Whisper
Jungle Surfing
Daintree Discovery Tours

RECOMMENDED TOURIST ATTRACTION

WINNER - Wildlife Habitat

Finalists
The Port Douglas Sunday Markets
Mossman Gorge Centre
Hartley Crocodile Adventures
Flames of the Forest

RECOMMENDED TOUR GUIDE

WINNER - Grub from Grubs Personalized Trike Tours

Finalists
Herold Prins (Poseidon)
Kit Bray (Poseidon)
Michaela Flood from Back Country Bliss
Bradley King (Sky Safari)

RECOMMENDED ECO TOUR OPERATOR

WINNER - Sailaway IV

Finalists
Poseidon
Calypso
Wildlife Habitat
Lady Douglas

BEST ACCOMMODATION

WINNER - Mantra Aqueous

Finalists
Sea Temple Resort
Coral Sea Villas
Sheraton Mirage
Rydges Sabaya

RECOMMENDED BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION

WINNER - Mantra Aqueous

Finalists
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Coral Sea Villas
Reflections
Club Tropical

RECOMMENDED HOTEL/RESORT ACCOMMODATION

WINNER –Rydges Sabaya

Finalists
Sheraton Mirage
Treetops Resort
Sea Temple Resort
Rendezvous Reef Resort

RECOMMENDED PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION

WINNER - Accommodation Port Douglas

Finalists
Executive Retreats
Ulysses Getaways
The Boutique Collection

RECOMMENDED BUDGET ACCOMMODATION

WINNER - Dougies Backpackers

Finalists
Port O Call
Pandanus Caravan Park
Port Douglas Motel

BEST RETAILER

WINNER - Tshinta

Finalists
Bellissimo
Coles Supermarket
Jungle Road
Barbarella and Swan

RECOMMENDED RETAIL PROMOTION

WINNER – Tshinta facebook campaign

Finalists
Lorna Jane
Wildlife habitat Family and Annual pass
Mirage Country Club locals offer

RECOMMENDED FRIENDLIEST SERVICE

WINNER - Jungle Road

Finalists
Tshinta
Wicked Willie
Reef Adventure Centre
Bellissimo

HALL OF FAME

Qucksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruises
Tshinta
The Bally Hooley Railway
Sheraton Mirage

EDITORS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Jason Roles for work on Cruise Ship organisation
Ken Dobbs for work on Carnivale
Paula Johnson for work on Carnivale 

More photos of Port Douglas Magazine Awards Night