NSW Wins National Tourism Awards

 Jenolan Caves

A  record number of 11 NSW tourism operators took out national titles in the prestigious Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held in Cairns recently.Of 189 finalists in 27 categories, NSW tourism operators received  11 first places, six silver and three bronze awards. Two awards went to our local Hunter Valley region of NSW at Scone and Newcastle.

“This is an outstanding result for NSW, demonstrating excellence in our tourism industry and highlighting the top-quality operators who are leaders among their peers,” Mr George Souris said. “NSW tourism operators were represented in all 27 categories, with eight Sydney-based businesses and operators in five regions winning accolades. In particular it was a great result for tourism operators in the State’s North Coast and Hunter regions, winning a total of 13 honours between them, showing the tremendous variety and quality of tourism businesses across NSW. All 26 NSW finalists are the cream of the crop and have displayed exceptional professionalism”.

Scone Motor Inn

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase, said the awards were a testament to outstanding achievement in the NSW industry. “The awards recognise tourism operators who are committed to innovation and demonstrate leadership in making the NSW tourism industry number one,” Ms Chipchase said. “I congratulate the 26 NSW finalists, especially the 11 winners, who have worked so hard to achieve success and recognition.”

A full list of NSW award winners and finalists is below.

NSW Winners

Newcastle Airport 

The Magic of Jenolan   - Tourist Attraction

NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow - Festivals & Events

Jenolan Caves, Written in Stone - Heritage & Cultural Tourism

Coffs Coast Aboriginal Discovery - Indigenous Tourism

Newcastle Airport - Specialised Tourism Services 

Tri State Safaris - Tour &/or Transport Operator  

Travel 21 fiftythree - Tourism Education & Training  

BIG4 North Star Holiday Resort & Caravan Park - Tourist & Caravan Parks  

Sydney Harbour YHA - Backpacker Accommodation

Scone Motor Inn - Standard Accommodation  

Lane Cove River Tourist Park - Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism

NSW Silver Awards

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo - Major Tourist Attraction  

Lane Cove River Tourist Park - Ecotourism  

Tri State Safaris - Adventure Tourism  

Margan Restaurant - Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services  

Wyndham Estate - Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Boutique Breweries  

Mollymook Beach Waterfront -  Hosted Accommodation  

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa

NSW Bronze Awards

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa - Meetings & Business Tourism  

Moonshadow Cruises - Major Tour &/or Transport Operator  

The Legendary Pacific Coast - Tourism Marketing  

NSW Finalists

Bluesfest Byron Bay - Major Festivals & Events  

Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre - Visitor Information & Services

Somewhere Unique – An Escape for 2 in the Hunter - Unique Accommodation  

Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel - Deluxe Accommodation  

Sheraton on the Park - Luxury Accommodation  

Tandara, Lane Cove National Park - New Tourism Development