Michael Warren

Journalist

Two Far North businesses have gained timely recognition for providing leading tourism experiences after their inclusion on an exclusive state-wide list.

An initiative of Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) the tourism body confirmed Wildlife Habitat and Daintree Safaris, a company that runs small luxury 4WD tours to the world’s oldest rainforest system as meeting a strict set of criteria to make the exclusive list.

A third local business, Daintree Discovery Tours also made the top experiences list.

“These are the holiday experiences that have built back better to meet changing customer expectations while enhancing the great Queensland lifestyle our visitors love,” Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe told Newsport.

“In this round, 233 tourism businesses have joined the Best of Queensland Experiences list, reflecting the commitment of Queensland tourism operators to providing the exceptional.

“We need to be globally competitive to rebuild inbound international tourism and a big part of that is making sure visitors are completely satisfied with their Queensland holiday experience.

“The Best of Queensland Experiences helps tourism operators strive for continuous improvement with word-of-mouth and customer review websites influencing travel decisions more than ever.”

To gain selection on the best of Queensland experiences list the chosen Douglas businesses had to be recognised as meeting a strict criterion.

That included providing a high standard and secure booking platform, gaining exceptional positive customer reviews, adhering to best practice industry standards, an active and engaging social media presence and to attain a regional tourism organisation accreditation.

“We’re delighted to have made the list, it’s a such a surprise, but at the same time rewarding to have been recognised like this,” delighted Daintree Safaris owner Ann Maree Haley said.

Visit Queensland.com for more information.