The Douglas Business and Tourism Awards Gala Awards Night is only two sleeps away and 2015 is shaping up to be another stellar event, with just under 40,000 votes cast this year.

With the finalists now announced, the excitement is building for the final results which all will be revealed at the upcoming Gala Awards evening this Friday at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas.

RELATED:

• <link>2015-Douglas Business Tourism Awards Finalists

As a winner at this prestigious awards event, it is a testament to the level of professionalism our Douglas Shire business owners operate.  With eight finalists in each category, this reflects also the high calibre of products and services offered to their clients, guests, patrons and customers.

Prior winners for 2014 were excited to share their experiences of being a Douglas Business and Tourism Award recipient.

Best Resort Accommodation over 40 Rooms winner for 2014 was QT Port Douglas. PR and Events Cp-Ordinator Sharon Timms said that the very core of being in the hospitality and tourism industry is the act of being hospitable.

“By having these awards voted and submitted by our patrons means that we’re doing it right.  We value our guests and their experiences and QT Hotels is always striving to be the best we can.  By listening to our guests, it ensures we always have our finger on the pulse with what’s important,” said Ms Timms.

With their award hung in their QT administration office, Ms Timms says it is a gentle reminder to all their staff that striving for excellence is why they are all here.

Best Fashion Retailer winner for 2014  Rose & Boy’s Karlie Albury and Emily Perry said it was an honour to win last year.

“But more importantly it means that we are doing our job.  Fashion retail is not only staying on trend with the world fashion, but about customer service and winning the award is a “shout out” that we are here to do that to the best of our ability.

“We really do our best to ensure that every time a customer walks into the shop they get the best service possible.  We are here to build relationships with our customers, both local and visiting, so that they continue to shop with us.  So this award is recognition of that,” said Ms Albury.

With a hectic year so far, they have also had some instore changes creating a more open and relaxed shopping experience, as well as a growing online boutique and menswear range that has more than doubled since opening two years ago.

“The Rose & Boy family has also grown, as both Emily and I have had our second children.  So saying life is busy is an understatement.  Emily and I are now both back instore after a little bit of maternity leave and very much looking forward to making 2016 our best year yet,” said Ms Albury.

Winning the 2014 Best Wedding Planner - Individual, Bec McLean said it was lovely to be recognised and voted by the public for doing a great job.

“For me personally, it was great timing as not long after I took the plunge and went into wedding and event planning as my own business.

“It has been a wonderful thing to have on my website to show that I have received recognition for doing something I love well,” said Ms McLean.

Attributing the accolade to her easy to work with and happy disposition, together with her willingness to go that extra mile, Ms McLean said “I love being able to help people create their dream wedding day and remove the stress of it for them.”

Reina and Spencer Patrick of Harrisons Port Douglas won 2014 Best Restaurant and they were thrilled to be winners.

“It means so much, it’s a direct reflection of the relationship we have with the local community and highlights the visitors high opinion of us.  It means we are doing our job properly,” said Ms Patrick.

With their award proudly displayed on the wall of their restaurant, Ms Patrick said there was particular interest from the local community with them winning the award.

“It is a reflection, we think, of the amount of respect the community has for these awards.”

As the excitement continues to build for the Gala Awards night this Friday, Douglas Shire businesses customer focus remains strong while continuing to offer excellence in customer services and experiences throughout the region.