Even in this ‘wonderland’ of beauty and fun, Port Douglas was taken by surprise at the success of the inaugural Port Douglas Magazine Awards in 2010.
 
It immediately became a celebration for local businesses that felt like it was well overdue, and when the visitors were given the chance to express their views and appreciation the flood gates were opened.   

Now to 2011 and the Port Douglas Magazine Awards programme is off and running again to find out who is the best of the best.

Can last year's winners defend their titles or will some ‘new blood’ come and snatch their crowns and take bragging rights for 2011?

With online voting facilities available on The Newsport and tourismportdouglas.com.au, voting slips hitting the streets, and the latest issue of Port Douglas Magazine now available, visitors and locals alike will have ample opportunity to let their voices be heard.

The aim of the 2011 Port Douglas Magazine Awards remains exactly the same - To celebrate and showcase the very best business in each category of activity throughout Port Douglas and the surrounding region.

There are some new categories this year which we have introduced after much discussion with the business community so whatever happens there will be some new champions.

We invite ALL our visitors and our local residents to vote for the establishment that, based on their own personal experience, they consider to be worthy of praise in each designated category.

This way, future visitors will recognise the Port Douglas Magazine Award, displayed with pride in each winning venue and be secure in the knowledge that booking or purchasing from these successful businesses has the full endorsement of past visitor experiences……and there’s no better recommendation than that!

There are no complicated entry forms for the businesses to complete and there is no entry fee to pay.  Each organisation automatically has the opportunity to win their relevant category simply by operating in Port Douglas and the surrounding Douglas Region. 

All our local businesses have to do is consistently offer the best service, best value for money and best personal experience throughout the whole year.  And that is simply judged by who receives the most votes in each category. 
 
Early feedback for Issue 5 of the Port Douglas Magazine has been fantastic, so if your business would like copies, feel free to drop into our offices at Meridien Marina (up the spiral staircase near Lure).

2011 Port Douglas Magazine Award categories:

1. Restaurants

BEST RESTAURANT
BEST BREAKFAST
BEST COFFEE
BEST FRIENDLY SERVICE

2. Tourism Products

BEST REEF TOUR
BEST RAINFOREST TOUR
BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION
BEST TOUR GUIDE
BEST LUXURY CRUISE CHARTER
BEST FISHING CHARTER
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY TOURISM OPERATOR

3. Accommodation

BEST BOUTIQUE ACCOMODATION (Under 30 rooms)
BEST HOTEL/RESORT ACCOMMODATION
BEST LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
BEST LOW COST ACCOMMODATION

4. Retail

BEST RETAILER
BESTFRIENDLY RETAIL SERVICE

5.  Weddings and Events

BEST WEDDING/EVENT ORGANISER
BEST WEDDING/EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
BEST WEDDING CELEBRANT

6. Beauty, Health and Fitness

BEST SPA EXPERIENCE
BEST MASSEUR/MASSEUSE
BEST BEAUTY THERAPIST
BEST HEALTH TREATMENT EXPERIENCE
BEST HAIR AND MAKE-UP

7. Young Achievers Award

Designed to recognise an under 25 yrs for outstanding services to the tourism community

8. Editors Award for excellence

9. Hall of Fame