Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) members have dominated the 2012 NSW Tourism Awards finalists pool. BMLOT chairman Randall Walker said 22 products and experiences from the region had achieved finalist status.
``This is an extraordinary achievement for our region and I truly thank all awards entrants for making an effort to profile product and service quality.''
The finalists of the hotly contested 2012 NSW Tourism Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements in tourism, were announced on Wednesday (October 10) by organiser Tourism Industry Council of NSW.
Hundreds of tourism businesses across the state entered the annual competition with hopes of winning one of the 31 categories, ranging from Major Tourism Attractions to Ecotourism and the new Local Government Award for Tourism.
Now in its 23rd year, and supported by Destination NSW, the NSW Tourism Awards honour those in the tourism industry, a sector which accounts for one in every 21 jobs in NSW and contributes $30.5 billion a year to the NSW economy.
In the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region, tourists spent $500 million for the year ending June 2012, up $10 million or 2 per cent on the previous year.
Tourism Industry Council NSW general manager Andrew Jefferies said that NSW had enjoyed outstanding success at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for many years and the results were reflective of the excellence and high standard of tourism products on offer across the state.
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``I'm confident that the high standard of this year's finalists will also be reflected at a national level. These awards really highlight the best of what our state's tourism industry has to offer - its diversity, product range, competition and refined development. It's exciting to see the progress and improvement right across all categories and products.''
Regionally, Mr Walker said the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon area also featured strongly on the national stage with Jenolan Caves winning two gold awards at last year's Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
``While it is true that our region's tourism industry is located within a globally recognised destination, tourism operators cannot simply rely on the magnificent wilderness in which they are placed and its World Heritage status to attract visitors for them.
``The record number of finalist positions secured at a state level by the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region is proof that they don't - our tourism operators work extremely hard to provide world class products and experiences.''
The judging process for the state awards was conducted by a panel of experienced tourism professionals and checked and verified by Ernst and Young auditors.
Head judge Reg Edwards said: ``What we were shown over the judging period was really refreshing, and certainly showcases just how resilient the industry is in tough times. We look forward to celebrating with the finalists and winners at the gala ceremony in November.''
Mr Walker said there would also be ``a significant BMLOT contingent cheering the finalists on''.
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The Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region finalists are: Adventure Underground - Jenolan Caves, Ambermere Rose Inn, Ben Lancken (pictured), Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Blackheath Glen Tourist Park, Blue Mountains Discover Walks Talks & Tours, Blue Mountains National Park, Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centres, Blue Mountains Walking Tracks, Carols in the Caves - Jenolan Caves, Fairmont Resort MGallery, Jenolan Caves - Ancient Underworld, Jenolan Caves - Written in Stone, Koomurri Aboriginal Centre, Life's An Adventure, Lithgow City Council, Mountain Whispers, Spa Sublime, The Carrington Hotel, The Magic of Jenolan - Jenolan Caves, The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat and visitbluemountains.com - Win a Bufori.
The NSW Tourism Awards gala ceremony will be held at Le Montage, Lilyfield, on Thursday, November 22.
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