From accommodation and attractions to events, restaurants, ecotourism and tour operators, the finalists represent the quality, innovation and commitment driving the NSW visitor economy.
210 Nominations Showcase NSW Tourism Excellence
The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards attracted 210 nominations, including 48 new entrants, across 30 categories covering the breadth of the state’s tourism industry.
The finalists were selected following a rigorous assessment process focused on quality and excellence. The awards form part of Australia’s long-running national tourism awards program, which has recognised tourism excellence across the country for more than 40 years.
Entrants are required to meet recognised tourism industry quality standards, with submissions assessed through a comprehensive judging process involving 50 judges, together with a consumer review score component.
Importantly, every finalist meets recognised tourism industry accreditation requirements, demonstrating strong operational capability and high standards across their businesses.
Recognising the Work Behind Great Visitor Experiences
NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said becoming a finalist was a significant achievement because of the work and commitment required to reach this stage.
“These Awards recognise more than a great tourism experience,” Miss Godward said. “Every finalist had to look deeply at their business and demonstrate the quality, capability and continuous improvement that sits behind the experience they deliver.”
The Awards also recognise the work that visitors may never see, including business planning, staff development, operational improvements and efforts to build sustainable tourism businesses.
Awards Support Helps Tourism Businesses Grow
The NSW Tourism Association expanded its entrant support program this year, giving businesses additional opportunities to strengthen their award submissions and their operations.
A new mentoring service was introduced alongside draft submission reviews and entrant support webinars featuring contributions from tourism industry experts and Awards judges.
Around a quarter of entrants took advantage of personalised mentoring, while more than half participated in the support webinars.
According to Natalie Godward, the benefits of entering extend beyond the Awards ceremony, helping tourism operators step back from their daily responsibilities and identify opportunities to improve their businesses.
Tourism Driving Jobs and Regional Communities
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| Steve Kamper |
The tourism businesses recognised in the Awards range from major attractions and events to hotels, restaurants and tour operators. Collectively, they contribute to employment, visitor spending and economic activity in communities across the state.
The NSW Government is targeting a $91 billion visitor economy by 2035, with tourism operators playing an important role in achieving that ambition.
NSW Tourism Awards 2026 at ICC Sydney
The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards will be held at ICC Sydney on Monday 9 November, following Destination NSW’s annual Visitor Economy Forum.
The Awards are proudly supported by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
For eligible Gold winners, the NSW Tourism Awards also provide a pathway to the Australian Tourism Awards, giving successful NSW businesses the opportunity to compete for national recognition.
The 2026 finalists now have the opportunity to showcase their achievements on one of the state’s most important tourism stages, celebrating the people and businesses helping make NSW a leading destination for visitors.
NSW Tourism Association
Website: https://www.nswtourism.com.au/Email: info@nswtourism.com.au
Address: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Destination NSW
Website: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/Address: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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