The City of Moreton Bay’s tourism industry has secured six honours at the 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards, including three Gold awards, as the region continues to attract new hotel investment and growing international visitation.
Abbey Medieval Festival led the celebrations with two Gold awards, taking out both the Festivals and Events and Excellence in Accessible Tourism categories, while the Tourism and Events Moreton Bay Volunteer Group claimed Gold for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group.
The winners, announced on November 7, will now represent Queensland at the Australian Tourism Awards in early 2027.
Moreton Bay’s 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards results:
- Gold: Abbey Medieval Festival, Festivals and Events
- Gold: Abbey Medieval Festival, Excellence in Accessible Tourism
- Gold: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay Volunteer Group, Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group
- Silver: Visit Moreton Bay, The Richard Power Award for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns
- Highly Commended: Pranafest, Festivals and Events
- Highly Commended: Brisbane Whale Watching, Tour and Transport Operators
Visit Moreton Bay also received Silver for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns, while Pranafest and Brisbane Whale Watching were Highly Commended in their respective categories.
Tourism and Events Moreton Bay CEO Luke Edwards said the results highlighted the quality of experiences available across the region and their potential to attract visitors from further afield.
“These winners prove you don’t have to travel far from Brisbane to find world-class experiences. They’re right on the city’s doorstep, and now they’re going up against the best in Australia,” Edwards said.
The recognition comes at a significant time for Moreton Bay’s visitor economy, with new accommodation investment helping the region build its capacity to attract overnight visitors rather than relying predominantly on day trips.
In September, the 51-room Peppers Clear Mountain opened following a multimillion-dollar transformation, becoming the region’s first five-star hotel.
That was followed in October by approval of Comiskey Group’s $180 million North Lakes precinct, which includes a nine-storey, 144-room five-star hotel, with construction expected to begin in early 2027.
“Moreton Bay has long been somewhere people visit for the day. Now we’re seeing the investment that turns it into somewhere people stay,” Edwards said.
The investment comes alongside growing international interest in the region, with Tourism Research Australia figures showing international visitors spent more than 2.3 million nights in Moreton Bay during 2024-25, up 22.7 per cent on the previous record.
International holiday visitor nights also increased by 57 per cent, highlighting the potential for local accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and tourism operators to benefit from visitors spending more time in the region.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, Edwards believes the combination of award-winning experiences, new accommodation and international interest will help position Moreton Bay for further tourism growth.
“With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, the world will be looking at South East Queensland. Results like these show Moreton Bay is ready to deliver.”
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