Over 120 local businesses have now been nominated in the inaugural Port Douglas Magazine Awards, highlighting the quality of the retail, tourism and hospitality industry in our area.


Click here to view the current list of nominees


Votes continue to flow in from people who have had their say online, via the post, or even in person, and while there is still time for businesses to drum up support, the voting deadline is approaching fast (4pm, 20 September).


The awards give recognition to businesses who stand out from the crowd, and whose product and service raise the standards for all others to strive towards.


Awards will be presented in 21 categories, with 19 of these voted by the public, an Editor's Award for Excellence chosen by Port Douglas Magazine Editor, Roy Weavers, and the ultimate Hall of Fame Award.


"I think it's great to see so many nominations," said President of the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Ken Dobbs. "The Chamber supports what tourismportdouglas.com.au are doing and we are very happy to be part of it," he said.


Za from Sky Safari says she's excited about being nominated in the 'Best Tourism Product' category. "We're stoked. I think it's a great initiative from tourismportdouglas.com.au. The awards set a standard and help motivate businesses to improve."


Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree's (TPDD) Doug Ryan said there was every reason to be proud of the products on offer. "I think there's such a good variety (of product). The town is proud of, and has confidence in, its products.


"There's really nothing here that you wouldn't be happy to endorse, and there's not many places where you could say that."


While Mr Ryan didn't say how TPDD would help raise awareness of the awards, he highlighted that "We (TPDD) represent the industry and anything that helps to promote it, we'll push."


Voting in the Port Douglas Magazine Awards couldn't be easier. Vote online by clicking on the advertisement opposite, fill out voting form on page 10/11 in the latest edition of Port Douglas Magazine, or grab a voting slip available at our new office in the Meridien Marina (up the spiral staircase next to Lure).


Tickets to the 2010 Port Douglas Magazine Awards Night are now available at a cost of $65 which includes the first hour of complimentary refreshments. To book call The Newsport on 4099 5122 or click the following link to book online:> Port Douglas Magazine Awards Tickets