By Sonia Isaacs
NARROWS Escape Rainforest Retreat has led a strong Sunshine Coast hinterland showing at the 40th Queensland Tourism Awards, taking out Gold in the Hosted Accommodation category and highlighting a record-breaking year for the state’s visitor economy.
Hinterland operators were among the standout performers at the gala ceremony in Brisbane (November 15), where more than 900 industry leaders gathered to celebrate excellence across 31 categories spanning experiences, events, accommodation, ecotourism, cultural tourism and accessible tourism.
Narrows Escape owners Xochi Lindholm and Ali Khan, who have operated the Montville retreat since 2019, said they were “absolutely thrilled” with the recognition.
“This is an incredible recognition and we are thrilled to have our rainforest retreat honoured in this way,” they said.
The hinterland’s success continued with Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World securing Silver for Tourist Attractions, Maleny Cheese Factory earning Silver for Excellence in Food Tourism, and The Country House at Hunchy Montville taking Bronze in Hosted Accommodation. Montville Misty View Cottages was also named a finalist.
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the awards capped off a milestone year, including a record $6.8 billion international visitor spend and the State’s largest-ever $1 billion tourism budget over four years.
