Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree (TPDD) have taken out an award for Tourism Marketing at the 2012 TNQ Tourism Awards at the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday night.

Executive Officer Doug Ryan said TPDD had been recognised at the awards, run by Tourism Tropical North Queensland, for a number of initiatives that were identified and developed as part of its 2011/2012 Marketing Strategy.

“We really put a lot of emphasis on developing our online presence with an overall focus on the consumer experience, while providing emotive destination imagery and regional content and th results were instant."

Sam Cullen, managing director of the customer information website tourismportdouglas.com.au said it was timely that TPDD were developing their online presence.
 
"Almost all domestic, and a steady growth in international customers, now prefer to arrange their travel direct rather than through traditional methods," Mr Cullen said.

"The hundreds of thousands of unique visit enquiries we receive to our site each year is reflective of this trend.
 
"We're happy to see TPDD doing some good work in the online medium as it is an area where you can measure the bang for your buck."

Mr Ryan thanked TPDD's 160 members, and Council who are considering their position for funding the local tourism body in 2013/14.

“Receiving this award was only made possible by the great work of the team here at TPDD and the continued support of all our members. I would also like to acknowledge the support and recognition that the Cairns Regional Council extends to the tourism sector and our organisation.”

Mr Ryan congratulated all the winners from the Douglas region which included Daintree Discovery Centre and Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures who were admitted into The Hall of Fame, Events NQ’s Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch for festivals and events, Port Douglas accommodation provider Peninsula Boutique Hotel for best deluxe accommodation, and Bloomfield Lodge for best unique accommodation.

The Murday family and Roy Gibson of the Mossman Gorge Centre were also awarded with the chairman’s award for excellence.