Toowoomba is being celebrated as a tourism hotspot, with the famous Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers taking out the Major Festivals or Events title for the third successive year at the Australian Tourism Awards held in Launceston last Friday night.
As a result, the event has been inducted into the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, where Toowoomba will shine forever.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council's catchcry of Rich Traditions, Bold Ambitions had rung true, with the Hall of Fame induction happening in the 70th anniversary year of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, a long way and many blooms from when the event first sprouted in 1949 as a way of generating interest in the city following the war.
"This incredible event is synonymous with the Toowoomba Region and is the best celebration of spring in Queensland. It provides the region with a strong identity, one we can all be immensely proud of," he said.
"Over 10 glorious days in September, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers shines as Australia's most beautiful event.
"More than 1000 hectares of public parks and private gardens are on display each year, perfectly timed to burst with colour and often nurtured against the weather odds.
"It's not always easy growing conditions here and this Hall of Fame title belongs as much to every gardener in the region as it does to every resident and visitor who enjoys the floral tributes each year. We look forward to celebrating this national tourism award win with everyone."
The Mayor said the event had been an important economic driver for 70 years.
"Visitors don't just come for the first weekend of Carnival, they extend their stay across the 10-day period and take in so much more, often exploring the region and certainly discovering Toowoomba's fantastic restaurants, bars and walks," he said.
"Council invests strongly in tourism strategy development to ensure the event flourishes and that visitors keep coming back. This work includes providing coach groups with regional itineraries, promoting Toowoomba to key international markets including New Zealand, and innovative advertising to our drive markets across Queensland and northern New South Wales.
"Take this as my personal invitation to attend the 70th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers from September 20 to 29 – stay a few nights and really soak up everything this region has to offer."
