Hamilton Island Conferences Named Best in Australia 20 February 2013 Hamilton Island Conferences won Gold in the Business Tourism category at the Australian Tourism Awards last week. The business event centre of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island boasts the largest conference facilities in the Whitsundays. The 14 dedicated conference rooms and more than 10 unique function areas cater for myriad events, including product launches, exhibitions, conferences and incentive trips for 10 to 1,000 delegates. Julie Ford, Hamilton Island’s Business Tourism Manager said: ‘Being named the country’s best Business Tourism destination is an incredible accolade and testament to the unique product we offer. Our island location right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef allows us to provide an ‘offshore’ experience at a domestic location.’ From the purpose built Conference Centre and meeting rooms, to secluded sandy beaches for beachfront marquees, floating pontoons, airport hangars, piers, the iconic Yacht Club or even your own private island, each venue provides a unique backdrop for memorable business events. The Island also offers an equally impressive range of accommodation options, all of which are located close to the Island’s conference facilities and venues providing convenience and accessibility. From the world class luxury of qualia to the oversized four star Reef View Hotel rooms, there are accommodation options to suit all conference and incentive budgets. With its own commercial jet airport, Hamilton Island is easily accessible via short, direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns plus other major capital cities through easy connections, or a quick 30-minute direct boat transfer from Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach. ‘Hamilton Island is a one stop shop for all conference requirements. We have a strong product consisting of modern venues and refurbished accommodation and an excellent depth of facilities and activities, all of which are easily accessible’, Ms Ford concluded. -ENDS- Notes to editors: Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna. Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, not to mention over 60 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities. www.hamiltonisland.com.au www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland Media contacts and image library: www.hamiltonisland.com.au/media-centre/ Michelle Crowshaw, Trade Communications Manager e: mcrowshaw@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)417 065 173 Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland and www.facebook.com/qualia Instagram: Connect with us: @hamiltonisland and @qualiaresort, Mention us: #hamiltonisland and #qualia Twitter: @hamiltonisland and @qualia.