SIX rural Ipswich businesses were among the city’s tourism operators who won the accolade for consistent delivery of exceptional experiences in 2024.
In total, 47 of the city’s tourism operators won the accolade in the 2024 Best of Queensland Experiences.
Rural Ipswich accolade winners included Homage restaurant, Spicers Hidden Vale, Haigslea EWE Nique Hobby Farm, The Llama Farm, RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre and Woodlands of Marburg.
Ipswich business Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights was one of only eight businesses in Queensland to receive 100 out of 100 points in the Best of Queensland Experiences Program, with an average score above 95.
It is the fifth year in a row that Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights has achieved 100 out of 100 points in the Best of Queensland Experiences judging.
Floating Images is run by husband-and-wife team Graeme and Ruth Day.
Also featuring in the list were the PA Hotel and CSI Ipswich.
Council’s Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairwoman Cr Pye Augustine said she was “incredibly proud of the hard work that local tourism operators put into their businesses”.
“It’s hardworking operators like those recognised in Best of Queensland that makes Ipswich the tourism destination that it is today, bringing in $300 million of revenue and over one million visitors each year.
“Congratulations to all who received such positive feedback from their customers. This result shows how bright the future is for Ipswich’s tourism industry.”
• The Best of Queensland program was developed in partnership with the state’s Regional Tourism Organisations, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the Department of Tourism and Sport.
