Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut have taken home gold at the 2021 Caravanning Queensland Awards (CPAQ), securing the prestigious Team of the Year award. The CPAQ Awards, which celebrate the state’s most outstanding individuals and parks, were announced earlier in the week – and the team at Cairns Coconut have been celebrating their win ever since.
Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort Manager Richard Yazbek accepted the award on Tuesday night and said that he was thrilled to represent his team at the awards and receive such a wonderful acknowledgement of their camaraderie.
“We really are a family unit here – we have over 60 staff working at the park and I can honestly say that the sense of community is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” said Mr Yazbek. “I think our family energy really shines through in our work and the positive atmosphere that’s created by those strong professional relationships is really palpable.
“Guests can tell that we’re genuinely happy to be at work with one another and it adds another dimension to their experience – it’s something you can’t fake. “The love of the park and dedication of the team is easily demonstrated by the impressive length of service of some of our team members,” said Mr Yazbek.
“Our front office manager Jennifer celebrated 33 years with us on Wednesday, which in conjunction with the awards made for a pretty special week for our team.”
The popular tropical north destination is no stranger to the limelight, after taking home multiple wins at previous awards, including the Queensland Tourism Awards. Ingenia Holiday Parks General Manager Tourism Matthew Young said that the Cairns Coconut team should feel incredibly proud.
“The team at Cairns Coconut are exceptional tourism professionals and this award is a credit to their passion for the industry and the fantastic team environment they’ve built,” said Mr Young. “There is a real sense of community amongst the team, which was truly demonstrated throughout 2020, when COVID-19 state government restrictions were in place, mandating the closure of holiday parks.
“The team took the opportunity to undertake park improvements, leverage different skills and cross train across other areas. “It’s that ingenuity and enthusiasm that really sets this team apart,” said Mr Young.
When restrictions were lifted and the park reopened, health directions prohibited food self-service, compelling the team to conceive a COVID safe alternative to their famous pancake Thursdays.
“Following a time that could have really affected the team’s dynamic, it was great to see everyone jump back into work with excitement,” said Mr Yazbek.
“We are so proud to represent our region and are thrilled we’ve been able to showcase tourism in the Tropical North.”