Twelve Hunter region businesses and organisations have been recognised 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 close to 150 entrants, representing a diverse range of businesses from across the state.
Finalists across twenty-six categories have been 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.
Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes, said the NSW Tourism Awards are a very exciting Awards ceremony and to have the Hunter recognised in them is incredible news.
“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,” Bob 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 include;
- 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 and Restaurant, Broke,
- Moonshadow – TQC Cruises, Nelson Bay,
- Oakvale Wildlife Park, Salt Ash,
- Port Stephens 4WD Tours, Nelson Bay and
- 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.
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,” Stuart 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.
IMAGE | Winners from Regional Tourism Awards in 2019 – featuring nominated businesses. Picture courtesy of AJM Photography
