The Star Entertainment Group will host tourism’s elite on the Gold Coast this month while serving up the state’s best local food when the Queensland Tourism Awards comes to town – the first time in nine years.
On 16 November, 900 guests from far and wide across the state will descend on The Star Gold Coast for the already sold-out event delivered annually by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).
QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said it was the first time QTIC had brought the awards – which recognise the outstanding achievements of the state’s tourism industry – to regional Queensland since taking over the reins from Tourism and Events Queensland in 2010.
“We wanted to start rotating the awards to regional locations as a way of reflecting the huge importance of our sector right across the state – this has proved a winning decision with an unprecedented amount of interest, a sold-out event, and a record number of more than 170 entries across 28 categories,” Mr Gschwind said.
“We are delighted to host the awards on the Gold Coast at The Star, which has played a major role in Queensland tourism this year by opening its new luxury suite hotel The Darling, being the first official partner of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, and hosting the 60th TV Week Logie Awards.”
The Star Entertainment Group Managing Director Queensland Geoff Hogg said he was thrilled to help bring the awards back to the Gold Coast.
“As the award’s major event partner, we are proud to host our industry’s ‘night of nights’ on the Gold Coast where it was last held nine years ago at our then named ‘Jupiters’ property,” Mr Hogg said.
“It’s no secret that high-quality food is a key ingredient to hosting a good party, which is why we’re excited that our chefs have created a Queensland-inspired menu showcasing some of the state’s best produce.”
The Star Gold Coast Events Centre Chef de Cuisine Sarah Jewell said guests will feast on succulent grainfed beef from the Darling Downs; tender free-range and corn-fed chicken breast from Mount Cotton; and fresh fruit and vegetables from the Granite Belt, Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs, and Brisbane regions.
“We will have 30 chefs playing a key role on the night, which will include around 90kgs of Oakey beef tenderloin, 112kgs of Mount Cotton chicken breast, and 30kgs of Stanthorpe peaches,” Ms Jewell said.
“After hosting the Logie Awards in July, we are ready for what will be a huge celebration and we can’t wait to serve some world-class food with a Queensland twist to make sure it’s an unforgettable night.”
Mr Hogg said hosting the 2018 awards topped off a golden year on the Gold Coast, where the company has proudly been a member of the local community for more than 30 years.
“The Gold Coast community is at the heart of everything we do and that’s why our focus is on local jobs, local spirit, and working with local operators to package up the region and encourage tourists to stay longer, spend more, and hopefully come back,” Mr Hogg said.
“We are building our first mixed-use tower here on the Gold Coast, which will bring the internationallyacclaimed Dorsett hotel brand to Australia for the first time, as well as apartment-style accommodation.
“This tower, and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, will provide more than 10,000 jobs once both are operational – expected around 2022 – creating incredible opportunities for local people wanting to be part of our growing industry.
“In addition, last week the Premier announced approval of our proposed $2 billion-plus future masterplan for The Star Gold Coast, which means potentially another four towers and resort amenities on Broadbeach Island. This presents even more potential job opportunities in the future.
“We look forward to celebrating Queensland tourism’s ‘night of nights’ with our industry colleagues come 16 November.”
The Queensland Tourism Awards is hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and presented by Queensland Airports Limited in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and The Star Entertainment Group, and supporting partner Tourism Australia.
The awards will be held on Friday 16 November 2018 in the Events Centre at The Star Gold Coast.
.jpg){kind=tracking}