Douglas Shire tourism operators have dominated the TNQ Tourism Awards on Friday night. 

Taking out a swag of awards, Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer Tara Bennett said she could not have been prouder of all the award recipients, praising their efforts to be recognised among the very best from the industry. 

“It was such a fantastic night, and wonderful to see such strong and diverse representation from across the region including Port Douglas, Mossman right through to Cape Tribulation.”  

Award recipients included Jungle Surfing who took home two awards for best tourist attraction and adventure tourism, while Mossman Gorge was the recipient of the indigenous tourism award.

Jungle Surfing managing director Sheena Walshaw said it had been a huge year for the award-winning attraction. 

“It’s fantastic to see the tourism industry and our visitors react so positively to all the changes we have made following a a massive investment in new platforms and the world’s first Human Hamster Wheel interactive cable lift.

“But at the end of the day, it’s our staff who create the experience and I am delighted their passion and enthusiasm has been rewarded.”

It was a double gong in the tour and transport categories with Exemplar Limousines and Coaches receiving the award for major tour and/or transport operator, while Cape Tribulation based reef tour operator Ocean Safari was recognised with the best tour/and or transport operator award. 

Also receiving awards on the night was QT’s Bazaar Restaurant for restaurant and catering services as well as a highly commended for deluxe accommodation, Sailaway V for best new tourism development and inducted into the Hall of Fame was Bloomfield Lodge for most unique accommodation. 

Ms Bennett said a personal highlight on the night for the team at TPDD was also being recognised for best destination marketing.