AUSTRALIA ZOO WINS MAJOR TOURISM AWARD

News Source: The Range News, 20 February, 2004

Steve Irwin, Queensland’s Australia of the year nomination, may not have received the nation’s top individual accolade last month, but his wildlife park, Australia Zoo, took Australia’s top honour as the Major Tourist Attraction for 2003 – 2004.

The prestigious award was presented at Friday’s Australian Tourism Awards ceremony held in Perth.

Beating all other state and territory nominations, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, the National Museum of Australia and the Port Arthur historic site, Australia Zoo was recognised as an outstanding attraction, a destination for both national and international tourism markets.

“This is a very proud achievement for Steve and Terri Irwin and a testament to the dedication of their 450 staff,” said Marketing Manager Peter Lang. “This award highlights Australia Zoo’s commitment to conservation and wildlife and our vision of becoming the ultimate, global zoological destination.”

Australia Zoo received the Queensland Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction in 2002 and 2003.

The Australian Tourism Awards recognise the exceptional contribution of tourism businesses, service providers and individuals to the multi-billion dollar Australian tourism industry which accounts for 4.5 percent of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product.

Click here to check out the award