Monday, March 24, 2025
Tasmania’s tourism industry has once again asserted its dominance on the national stage, taking home 14 medals at the prestigious 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held in Adelaide. The results speak volumes not just for Tasmania’s visitor experiences but also for its industry-wide collaboration, regional innovation, and growing appeal as a must-visit destination.
Celebrating 40 years of the national program, this year’s awards saw Tasmania shine brighter than ever before, with four gold, five silver, and five bronze medals awarded across 25 of the 26 categories — surpassing last year’s impressive tally by three. From Launceston to King Island and the iconic east coast, these wins showcase Tasmania’s depth of talent and diversity in tourism offerings.
Launceston Steals the Show: A Northern Powerhouse Emerges
Northern Tasmania, particularly Launceston, delivered a tour de force. The standout performer, Peppers Silo Hotel, clinched two national gold medals — a rare feat — for Business Event Venue and 4–4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation. The hotel’s culinary excellence was also recognised with a silver in Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services for Grain of the Silos, its celebrated inhouse restaurant.
Adding further to Launceston’s accolades, The Dragonfly Inn repeated last year’s gold win in the Hosted Accommodation category. Meanwhile, its sister property Alice’s Cottages picked up bronze in the Self-Contained Accommodation category — highlighting how Launceston continues to evolve as a premier base for both business and leisure travellers.
Young Talent Rises: Emily Elmer Wins Big on the East Coast
A standout individual recognition came with Emily Elmer, crowned the 2024 Tourism Minister’s Young Achiever and securing gold in the Tourism Retail, Hire & Services category for her innovative business Younique Stays, based on Tasmania’s scenic east coast. Her success signals a new generation of tourism entrepreneurs emerging from the island state — combining creative accommodation with strong regional storytelling.
Southern and North West Tasmania Hold Their Own
The southern part of Tasmania was not to be outdone. Bangor Vineyard Shed and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, both known for their immersive and sustainable experiences, earned silver medals. These operators have become synonymous with the best of southern Tasmania: vineyard landscapes, coastal cruising, and authentic local experiences.
In the state’s north west, The Cove Tasmania, a standout in nature-based luxury accommodation, picked up silver for Accessible Tourism — showcasing inclusivity and high-end hospitality. Also representing the region, Red Rock Hut on King Island added another silver to the tally, reinforcing the island’s growing stature in remote, authentic travel.
Bronze Medalists: Underrated Gems Shine Bright
Bronze medals were awarded to some of Tasmania’s most unique and emerging offerings:
- Air Adventure Golf, catering to luxury sports tourism
- BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, serving family-friendly travel in coastal settings
- The Truffle Farm, offering gourmet, experiential tourism
- Junction Arts Festival, energising Tasmania’s creative events scene
These recognitions reflect the increasing demand for niche, high-quality experiences — and Tasmania’s ability to deliver them with flair.
Diversity and Depth: Medalists Span Every Travel Category
This year’s wins cut across almost every imaginable travel category — from hosted accommodation to adventure tourism, from luxury hotels to cultural and Aboriginal experiences. Tasmania fielded finalists in nearly every category, a testament to the state’s holistic tourism ecosystem.
Notable finalists who narrowly missed a podium finish but deserve recognition include:
- Port Arthur Historic Site (Major Tourist Attractions)
- Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden (Tourist Attractions)
- Tasmania’s Taste of Summer (Major Festivals & Events)
- Aquila Eco Retreat (Ecotourism)
- UNSHACKLED Hobart Penitentiary (Cultural Tourism)
- wukalina Walk (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Experience)
- City of Launceston Visitor Information Centre (Visitor Services)
- Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures (Adventure Tourism)
- Freycinet Resort (3–3.5 Star Accommodation)
- The Tasman – A Luxury Collection Hotel (5 Star Luxury Accommodation)
Their presence reinforces the breadth and maturity of the state’s tourism sector.
Strategic Collaboration Drives Success
Behind Tasmania’s national triumph is a deeply collaborative industry ethos. From destination marketing to tourism training, local councils, business owners, and entrepreneurs are working in lockstep. This collective spirit allows the industry to not only develop world-class products but to sustain them with a unified vision of quality and authenticity.
This year’s awards are not just medals on a shelf — they’re milestones in a broader growth journey for Tasmania, one that prioritises immersive experiences, sustainability, and community-driven travel.
Why Tasmania’s Tourism Momentum Matters in 2025 and Beyond
As international and domestic travellers increasingly seek destinations with character, sustainability, and real connection to place, Tasmania stands out. The island’s ability to blend rugged nature with luxury, culture with creativity, and community with professionalism is winning over global travellers — and now the national industry.
Tasmania’s performance at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards signals a broader trend: regional Australia is no longer just a side trip; it’s the destination. Tasmania, with its wealth of well-operated businesses and rising talents, is leading that charge.
What This Means for Travellers and the Industry
Travellers considering Tasmania in 2025 can expect to experience:
- Award-winning stays from Launceston to King Island
- Authentic regional food, wine, and cultural festivals
- Inclusive and accessible travel experiences
- Personalised service from operators rooted in their local communities
- Unique outdoor adventures and Indigenous storytelling
For the travel trade, these wins offer strong case studies for why Tasmania deserves prime placement in itineraries, marketing campaigns, and distribution strategies.
Tourism Tasmania’s Continued Role in Industry Development
Tourism Tasmania’s support, infrastructure investment, and promotional efforts have been crucial in enabling operators to reach national levels of recognition. These awards reflect years of strategic planning and investment — and now that strategy is paying off.
Conclusion: Tasmania’s Travel Triumph is a Blueprint for Regional Excellence
Fourteen medals and countless proud moments later, Tasmania has proven that it’s more than just a beautiful island — it’s a powerhouse of tourism innovation, creativity, and resilience. From boutique inns and vineyards to accessible luxury and cultural festivals, Tasmania is defining what the future of travel in Australia looks like.
For those seeking meaningful travel experiences, Tasmania doesn’t just promise — it delivers. And now, it has the national recognition to prove it.
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