CROC HUNTER IN THE SIGHTS OF THEME PARKS

News Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, page 11, Thursday 25th November, 2004

Gold Coast theme parks are hunting Steve Irwin’s scalp in their quest for Queensland’s top tourism prize.

Australia Zoo is out to secure its third Queensland best major tourism attraction award in succession when the accolades are presented at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre tomorrow night.

More than 170 nominations have been received in 28 categories.

The likes of Dreamworld, Seaworld, and Movie World are expected to provide hot competition in the major tourism attraction category.

A report in the Gold Coast Bulletin said that some people “either love or hate Steve” and there would be no love lost when the attractions go head-to-head.

Awards’ event manager Alison Horsburgh said she was unaware of any animosity.

“It is a hotly contested category every year but I don’t think any one has anything against Steve,” she said. “If Australia Zoo win this year they will go into the hall of fame.”

Last year, Buderim House won the hosted accommodation category and Woodford Folk Festival the significant festivals and events award. Winners go onto the National Tourism Awards in February.