Bundaberg Operators Make Best of Queensland Honour Roll
54 Bundaberg Region businesses are celebrating today after being named a Best of Queensland Experiences (BOQE) by Tourism and Events Queensland.
Tourism Minister Michael Healy today released the 2024 results, congratulating 2,108 Queensland tourism products named on the prestigious list, cementing the state’s commitment to being Australia’s number one holiday destination.
The Bundaberg Region had the largest proportion of operators of any Queensland region with 68% of eligible businesses achieving the honour, reflecting the regional tourism industry’s commitment to meeting and exceeding consumer expectations.
The program is awarded on a total score of 100 based on an independent set of criteria that includes consistent delivery of an exceptional experience based on positive customer reviews; website with secure online booking; active and engaging social media presence; Regional Tourism Organisation membership; and accreditation through a peak industry body.
Impressively, 14 operators achieved the maximum 100 points:
• Alexandra Park, Playground and Zoo
• BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Bargara
• BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Cania Gorge
• Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience
• Fairymead House Sugar History Museum
• Hinkler Hall of Aviation
• Kellys Beach Resort
• Koola Beach Apartments Bargara
• Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
• Lady Musgrave Experience
• Manta Bargara Resort
• Mon Repos Turtle Centre
• NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park
• Villa Mirasol Motor Inn
The Bundaberg Region’s operators increased their scores across all criteria in 2024 compared to 2023, including customer reviews, which are calculated by Review Pro into a GRI Score out of 100. Bundaberg’s GRI score of 89.3, which was above Queensland’s overall average, and five Bundaberg operators stood out with very high Review Pro GRI scores of above 95:
• Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours
• Ohana Cider House and Tropical Winery
• Rocky Point Retreat
• Hinkler Hall of Aviation
• Tinaberries
“Bundaberg Region’s tourism operators work really hard through the year to meet our guests’ needs and expectations, and these awards acknowledge this commitment and dedication,” stated Loni Hammond, Trade and Industry Development Executive at Bundaberg Tourism.
“Tourism is such a subjective industry and the reviews from our Regional visitors are a key measure of whether we’re offering memorable and meaningful experiences that leave a positive impact on travellers.”
“As the Region’s Tourism Organisation, we couldn’t be prouder of our operators and our Region, and congratulate our Best of Queensland Experience operators for 2024 on continually improving and looking after our region’s visitors so well!
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said, “At Tourism and Events Queensland we are proud to see more than 2,000 unique Queensland products achieve BOQE status. These are our leaders across the state in delivering world-class tourism experiences.
“This nation-leading program sets Queensland experiences apart in what is an incredibly competitive global market.
“From breath-taking accommodation to wildlife encounters, cultural exploration and natural wonders, there are memorable and spectacular experiences for every traveller in Queensland.
“By leading our marketing with Best of Queensland Experiences, we’re letting travellers across the globe know when you visit Queensland you’ll find exceptional customer service and life-changing experiences go hand-in-hand.”
Bundaberg’s full list of BOQEP operators can be found at bundabergregion.org/corporate/development#best-of-queensland
**ENDS**
About the Best of Queensland Experience Program
The Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP) is an innovative program that guides the Queensland tourism industry to deliver exceptional transformational experiences. By creating positive word of mouth for Queensland it will help to attract more visitors, grow expenditure and increase market share. The program has been developed in partnership with the state's Regional Tourism Organisations, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport. It identifies and recognises experiences that best bring the Queensland story to life and consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience.
The program is based on an independent set of criteria that incorporates online customer reviews, responds to consumer expectations and reflects industry best practice. All operators assessed in the program receive an individual report providing valuable insights on consumer perceptions of their experience to drive business performance. The Best of Queensland Experiences are assessed on an annual basis and the number of BOQE has increased by 800 in the past five years to 2,108.
