Ipswich tourism industry gains momentum
01 September 2022
The secret is out – Ipswich is home to some of the best experiences Queensland has to offer with a record number of Ipswich tourism businesses being awarded Tourism and Events Queensland, Best of Queensland Experiences.
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said the city’s reputation as a tourist destination continued to grow as 41 Ipswich Tourism Operators Network members are now part of Best of Queensland Experiences.
“It is great to see some new businesses included in the list this year like Ewe Nique Hobby Farm, Hardcore Blasters, The Llama Farm and Moselles Café + Restaurant,” Cr Jonic said.
“This is a phenomenal result and proves that Ipswich is growing as a tourism destination. We are starting to see some overnight and day tripper recovery since COVID-19 lockdowns and we continue to see investment in the tourism sector.
“Council recognises how important tourism is to our wider economy and continues to support our local tourism operators with online training and intensive mentoring.”
The list of operators is diverse and ever growing, from just seven back in 2018 to 33 in 2021 and now 41 in 2022.
Ewe Nique Hobby Farm this year achieved Best of Queensland for the first time, saying the result had given them confidence within their business.
Ewe Nique Hobby Farm co-owner Penny Allen said they felt very honoured to achieve the result.
“We have visitors coming from overseas, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Brisbane and Toowoomba and of course the local area.
"We strive to give families a unique, affordable experience and the reviews show we are hitting the mark,” Ms Allen said.
The Llama Farm recently were also awarded the result for the first time and credit providing a consistent customer experience combined with a strong social media and web presence for the achievement.
The Llama Farm owner Shane Hancock said they are honoured to have achieved industry recognition as a Best of Queensland experience for 2022.
“It reflects the hard work we have put into creating an authentic, boutique, hands-on farm experience for our guests,” Mr Hancock said.
The Pumpyard Bar and Brewery has been awarded a Best of Queensland results for four years now.
4 Hearts Brewing General Manager Torsten Werner said they are committed to the ultimate customer experience.
“We aim to ensure the guest experience is seamless across all touch points from our website, social media channels through to executing the best experience possible on premise,” Mr Werner said.
“We are constantly reviewing how we do things to make sure the customer is at the centre of everything we do.”
The Best of Queensland program is based on an independent set of criteria that incorporates online customer reviews, responds to consumer expectations and reflects industry best practice.
It has been developed between Tourism and Events Queensland, Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.