Ten tourism professionals and businesses have been recognised at the 2026 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Industry Excellence Awards.
The event was held at The Mill with around 200 industry members in attendance.
Savannah Guides received the Chair’s Award for Excellence, recognising a network that has delivered guide training and professional development across northern Australia for decades.
Founded by John Courtenay in 1988 and managed by Russell and Sam Boswell since 2008, the organisation now brings together more than 500 guides and operators.
Maryanne Jacques received the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual award after more than 40 years in the region’s visitor economy.
The founder of Adventure North Australia and owner of Cairns Discovery Tours was recognised for her work developing visitor experiences and partnerships with Traditional Owners and Indigenous tourism operators.
Mark Olsen, Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO, said the awards recognised people who had helped shape the region while continuing to support its future.
“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,” Mr Olsen said.
Other 2026 winners included:
- Outstanding Commitment to the Industry: Steve and Katrina Edmondson
- TTNQ Life Members: Glenda Daly and Brian Hennessy
- Young Achiever Excellence Award: Alexandra Allanson, Cairns Koalas & Creatures
- Sustainable Tourism Excellence: Rainforestation Nature Park
- Customer Service Excellence Award: Will Hancock, Back Country Bliss Adventures
- Robbie Bastion Award for Inbound Marketing: Michael Nelson
- Best of Queensland Experience Excellence Award: Cairns Canyoning by Cairns Waterfalls
