Narrows Escape wins coveted Queensland Tourism Award

Hinterland tourism operators enjoyed a highly successful night at the Queensland Tourism Awards on November 12.

In fact, The Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville won Gold in the coveted  Hosted Accommodation category. 

Ali and Xochi Khan from Narrows Escape will now go on to compete for the ultimate prize at the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held on ‘home soil’ at Sunshine Coast Convention Centre on 18 March 2022.

They will be joined at the national awards by Pelican Boat Hire, Noosaville who won Gold in the Tourism Retail & Hire Services category. 

Ali and Xochi said they were delighted with the win. “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award and we are so grateful to all of the people who have supported us including our amazing guests.  We love our little slice of paradise and it brings us immense joy to deliver a world class experience in Montville with our six (soon to be eight) villas nestled in nature with all of life’s little luxuries.  

“We are expanding our business and are currently building two new luxury villas with private plunge pools. We have built a boutique event space for small business conference, yoga/meditation and private functions.”

The couple has also just launched a four-day, five-night breathtaking walk of the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. “It combines the luxury of Narrows Escape, fine dining experiences and hiking through this unique and wonderful area.  We love this region and we want the world to know just how amazing it is.”

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said that the range of winners in the Queensland Tourism Awards reflected the strength and diversity of the Sunshine Coast’s tourism sector. 

“The Queensland Tourism Awards were a real triumph for Sunshine Coast tourism, not just for the winners, but for the whole industry, and now the Sunshine Coast will be in the national tourism spotlight when we host the Australian Tourism Awards next March,” said Mr Stoeckel. 

“We are looking forward to hosting a memorable ‘night of nights’ for tourism’s elite performers, with some 850 attendees expected to come to the Sunshine Coast for the event. It will provide a huge injection of confidence into the region.”

Other medal winners on the night were:

· Gold, Mary Valley Rattler – Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer/Volunteer Group.

· Gold, RACV Noosa Resort – RACQ People’s Choice Award – Accommodation.

· Gold, Simon Thornalley, Saltwater Eco Tours – Young Achievers Award.

· Gold, Bindi Irwin, Australia Zoo – Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

· Silver, Bli Bli House – Hosted Accommodation.

· Silver, Ginger Factory – Excellence in Food Tourism.

· Silver, Australia Zoo – Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer/Volunteer Group.

· Silver, Mary Valley Rattler – Tourist Attraction.

· Silver, Noosa RACV Resort – Self-Contained Accommodation.

· Bronze, The Country House at Hunchy – Hosted Accommodation. 

Xochi and Ali Khan from The Narrows Escape, Montville.