General News
31 October, 2026
FNQ’s best tourism advocates
PIONEERS to young innovators have been honoured at the 2026 TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) chief executive officer Mark Olsen said 200 tourism industry members gathered last Saturday to acknowledge excellence stretching from the pioneers who helped to develop the destination to the young innovators who are continuing their legacy.
“The recipients have helped to shape Tropical North Queensland as an internationally renowned destination that enables visitors to see great and leave greater with an understanding of the culture and stories of our World Heritage areas,” he said.
Savannah Guides, who train professional tour guides, received the chairman’s award of excellence while Maryanne Jacques of Cairns Discovery Tours picked up the honour of an outstanding contribution by an individual.
Other awards:
Outstanding commitment to the industry – Steve and Katrina Edmondson, of Sailaway Port Douglas
Life members – Glenda Daly and Brian Hennessy
AdvertisementYoung achiever excellence award – Alexandra Allanson of Cairns Koalas and Creatures
Sustainable tourism excellence – Rainforestation Nature Park
Customer service excellence award – Will Hancock of Back Country Bliss Adventures
Robbie Bastion Award for inbound marketing – Michael Nelson, managing director of Pinnacle Tourism Marketing
Best of Queensland experience excellence award – Cairns Canyoning by Cairns Waterfalls.
