Twelve Hunter region businesses and organisations are among the finalists that will contest the prestigious 2019 NSW Tourism Awards, acknowledging the exceptional quality of tourism operators across NSW.
Celebrating its 30th year in 2019, the NSW Tourism Awards attracted nearly 150 entrants representing a diverse range of businesses from across the state. Finalists across 26 categories are recognised for excellence in a range of tourism areas such as Tourist Attractions, Festivals and Events, Ecotourism, New Tourism Business, Destination Marketing, Accommodation and Excellence in Accessible Tourism.
“The NSW Tourism Awards are the most prestigious awards in the tourism industry, with a long history of celebrating and recognising business excellence, innovation and outstanding customer service by tourism operators,” Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes said. “We’re thrilled to see so many businesses entering the Awards this year and so many from the Hunter featuring among the finalists.
It is recognition of the quality of tourism operators in our region.” The Hunter businesses nominated are:
Beyond Ballooning, Lovedale
Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park, Blacksmiths
Brokenwood Wines Cellar Door, Pokolbin
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Lovedale
Hunter Valley Gardens: Christmas Lights Spectacular
Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association: Hunter Valley 'Here's to the Good Life' Campaign
Macquarie 4 Star, Lake Macquarie
Margan Wines & Restaurant, Broke
Moonshadow - TQC Cruises, Nelson Bay
Oakvale Wildlife Park, Salt Ash
Port Stephens 4WD Tours, Nelson Bay
Sand Dune Adventures, Williamtown
Managed by the Tourism Industry Division of the NSW Business Chamber and supported by Destination NSW, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement throughout the year. The Hunter Business Chamber hosted the Destination Sydney Surrounds North Regional Tourism Awards in Newcastle in July.one State for tourism and major events.
“NSW continues to break records for visitation and visitor related expenditure, and this is largely thanks to the innovation, professionalism and determination our local industry operators bring to the table,” Minister Ayres said.
“The NSW Government has set an ambitious target of delivering $55 billion in overnight visitor expenditure for the State’s economy by 2030, and the calibre of industry leaders recognised by these awards give me great confidence that we will surpass that target.”
The winners of the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner on November 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney. Gold Medal winners in most categories go on to represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, to be held in Canberra in March 2020.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres congratulated the finalists for their collaborative efforts that ensure NSW retains its post as Australia’s number one State for tourism and major events.
“NSW continues to break records for visitation and visitor related expenditure, and this is largely thanks to the innovation, professionalism and determination our local industry operators bring to the table,” Minister Ayres said.
“The NSW Government has set an ambitious target of delivering $55 billion in overnight visitor expenditure for the State’s economy by 2030, and the calibre of industry leaders recognised by these awards give me great confidence that we will surpass that target.”
The winners of the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner on November 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney. Gold Medal winners in most categories go on to represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, to be held in Canberra in March 2020.
2019 NSW Tourism Awards categories
Major Tourist Attractions
Tourist Attractions
Major Festivals and Events
Festivals and Events
Ecotourism
Cultural Tourism
Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism
Specialised Tourism Services
Visitor Information Services
Business Event Venues
Major Tour and/or Transport Operators
Tour and/or Transport Operators
Adventure Tourism