Central Queensland University tourism lecturer Jillian Litster has given Queensland tourism operators the thumbs up.

Ms Litster recently returned from conducting site inspections of tourism properties in South-East Queensland as part of her role as a judge for the Queensland Tourism Awards for 2003.

“Given the difficult times tourism has had to cope with in the past few years, it is encouraging to meet with operators who are not just meeting the challenges presented, but are performing strongly in product development and market share,” Ms Litster said.

As one of 10 judges on the 2003 judging panel for the awards, Ms Litster will take part in two closed panel sessions, judging the written submissions of entrants, during the next two months. The awards will culminate with a Presentation Evening at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday November 29.

Jillian was also a judge for last year’s state tourism awards. “Being a judge again this year, allows me to continue to assist the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and Tourism Queensland in identifying and acknowledging high achievers in the tourism industry.

“It is also great to be able to be in a position to apply this first-hand experience of the industry to my university teaching.

Photo: Jillian Litster encounters a boa constrictor during a visit to a tourism property for the judging of the Queensland Tourism Awards.