STEVE IRWIN'S AUSTRALIA ZOO NAMED AUSTRALIA'S MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTION FOR 2003-2004

Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, Page 5, February 14 2004

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo has taken out Australia’s Major Tourist Attraction for 2003-2004 at a gala ceremony in Perth last night.

The internationally recognised zoo, which houses more than 750 animals on 50 acres, won the gong from a field of eight finalists from every state and territory.

The Crocodile Hunter was not present to collect the award honouring the zoo which gained international publicity last month when Irwin paraded his baby son Bob in front of the hungry reptiles while the media looked on.

The popularity of the Zoo has boomed since Irwin took over the operations from his parents Bob and Lyn, who founded the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park in 1970.

Other major winners included the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves National Park in South Australia, which took out the Significant Tourist Attraction Award. The Caves, home to fossils and bats, are spectacularly adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, drawing in thousands of visitors each year. The roar of V8 engines won the excitement stakes for the Clipsal 500 Adelaide in the Major Festival and Events category, while George Chapman, AO, from Queensland was named as the individual who had made an outstanding contribution to the industry. Mr Chapman is recognised as a leader among leaders in Queensland’s tourism and business community and has helped to put tropical North Queensland in the international tourism spotlight.

In congratulating the winners, federal Tourism Minister Joe Hockey said the winners and nominees in all categories set standards for service and quality that would help Australian Tourism reach its growth potential faster.

The finalists in the 28 award categories had already won Sate Tourism Awards held throughout 2003.

Western Australia lead the awards with eight winners, closely followed by Queensland with seven. AAP


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