Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre was awarded silver in the National Tourist Attraction category at the 2015 National Tourism Awards held in Melbourne on Friday 5 February 2016.
This award recognises Questacon’s engaging formula of hands-on science engagement and follows Questacon’s win at the Canberra and Capital Region Tourism awards in December
The iconic Questacon science centre in the Parliamentary Zone is a leading Canberra tourist attraction, welcoming over 450 000 visitors annually from across Australia.
Questacon Director Professor Graham Durant said the award recognised Questacon’s contribution to Australia’s educational and science tourism.
“Since the Centre opened in 1988, millions of visitors have enjoyed the Questacon experience of hands-on discovery coupled with exceptional customer service,” Professor Durant said.
“Following the launch in December of the Australian Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, now is the time for innovation in science tourism.”
“During 2016 Questacon will be looking to work with other science-based attractions in Canberra and around the country to better promote the unique addition science tourism can make to the Australian tourism market.”
“For example, giving tourists opportunities to participate in citizen science projects or encouraging visitors to spend more time in locations on scientific short breaks.”
“Questacon will also continue to offer our visitors something new to see and do, from the recently-opened Spiders exhibition, to the innovative Questacon Walks of Wonder—an online walking tour revealing the science hidden throughout Canberra’s Parliamentary Zone.”
Each year Questacon reaches more than three million people of all ages through a range of inspirational experiences delivered from two facilities in Canberra and on the road around Australia through our programmes and travelling exhibitions. Questacon’s programmes combine interactive entertainment and education to spark an interest in science and technology.
The annual National Tourism Awards showcases the best of the nation’s tourist industry organisations and promotes, encourages and rewards tourism excellence.
