Tourism Icon Elizabeth Hackett Wins Marie Watson-Blake Award For Outstanding Contribution

Born into the tourism industry through hospitality and hotels, Elizabeth Hackett has racked up over thirty years of knowledge, as well as an unshakable passion for bettering the tourism sector, both state-wide and in her very own backyard. Her years of dedication and experience were recently acknowledged when she won the prestigious Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards.

"It was a huge surprise for me,” Ms Hackett said.

“I feel very humble because the people that have gone before me and won this award have contributed enormously to our industry and our state…so it’s very humbling to actually receive that same recognition."

A powerhouse woman in the industry, Hackett has acquired multiple hats throughout her career, currently standing as the Executive Chair of AATG and Proponent of the Whitsunday Skyway Project Airlie Beach,  and the Chair of Judges for the Queensland Tourism Awards.  Elizabeth also sits on the Board of Tourism Whitsudays.

Among these well-respected positions, she also owned Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach, previously known as Magnums Backpackers, which has now transitioned into a highly awarded 3.5-star unique accommodation, suitable for 18+ travellers.                    

Looking back to the beginning, and reflecting on her current achievements, Ms Hackett said she was “born into the industry,” and after spending three decades in Airlie Beach, it has shown her “what a great conduit that tourism can be.”

“Tourism can be a great conduit for doing good work in the community, whether it’s working with first nations tourism, environmental tourism, or focusing on customer service,” she shared.

“The Whitsunday Skyway Project is an infrastructure tourism initiative set to bring over $30 million annually to the region.

"This project would not have happened without our local member, Amanda Camm, and our new Premier David Crisafulli, they have an enormous amount of credit to take for this project,” she said.

The Skyway will not only drive economic growth but will also serve as a lasting legacy for the Whitsundays, which Elizabeth Hackett hopes to contribute to throughout her career.

“Our entire tourism family want to leave a legacy and make a difference,” she added.

"Certainly, in my region, but also throughout the state.

“If I can play a tiny part in ensuring that the generations - both current and future - actually get to know a little bit more about our first nations people, how we can protect our environment, and the Great Barrier Reef, then I will be very happy if that can be my contribution.”

She added, “I'm just very humble to actually have this role in tourism and it's just wonderful to be a part of this tourism family.”

Although Ms Hackett humorously notes that she has no spare time, she cherishes the moments that she does have with her adorable chihuahua, named “Little Phyllis.”

Elizabeth Hackett’s legacy in tourism is one of dedication and impact, ignited by her passion to ensure that the tourism sector continues to thrive, benefiting not just the economy, but also the people and environment that makes the Whitsundays such a dearly loved location.

‍