31 Jul 2025

New boundary clarification to strengthen Tourism Operator support across NSW and the Canberra Region

NSW Tourism Association and Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council are pleased to announce a refined boundary agreement that clarifies membership eligibility, access to Quality Tourism Framework accreditation, and entry into the relevant state or regional tourism awards programs. 

This change, effective from 2025, replaces the previously used 72-kilometre radius from the Canberra GPO with clearly defined Local Government Area (LGA) boundaries. Moving forward, tourism businesses within the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and Yass Valley Council will be aligned with the Canberra Region Tourism Awards program and associated membership and accreditation pathways.

The decision, endorsed by the Australian Tourism Industry Council, aims to reduce confusion, create a level playing field nationally, and better reflect the operational realities and regional affiliations of local tourism operators.

This updated boundary ensures: 

• Membership and Accreditation: Businesses in Queanbeyan-Palerang and Yass Valley LGAs will now fall under the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council (CRTIC) for membership and access to the Quality Tourism Framework.
• Tourism Awards Program Eligibility: These businesses will be eligible to enter the Canberra Region Tourism Awards only. Entry into the NSW Tourism Awards will not be available to operators in these LGAs.
• Consistent Messaging: All marketing and awards communications will clearly identify businesses as part of either the NSW or Canberra Region (CBR Region) program to avoid any ambiguity.
• Cross-Regional Support: Operators can continue to seek guidance and resources from either NSW Tourism Association or Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council but must enter the awards via their designated program.

NSW Tourism Association and CRTIC remain committed to working together across shared regions, including in collaboration with Destination Southern NSW, to provide tailored and consistent support to all tourism operators. This includes joint initiatives, individual programs, and advocacy work through the Australian Tourism Industry Council at a national level.

“This adjustment is a practical step to ensure clarity for operators, reduce administrative burden and ultimately improve access to support, recognition and industry development opportunities,” said Natalie Godward, Chief Executive Officer of NSW Tourism Association.

“We’re confident this change will enhance the experience for tourism businesses and strengthen regional alignment.”

Dr Naomi Dale, Chief Executive Officer of Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council welcomed the change, adding “The clear border alignment enables ongoing business support for the QTF and Awards programs, which continue to benchmark and recognise excellence on a national scale — making it a strategically sound decision.” 

For further information about membership, accreditation or award program support, operators are encouraged to contact either NSW Tourism Association or Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council directly.

ENDS 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Natalie Godward: CEO, NSW Tourism Association 
Email: ceo@nswtourismassociation.com.au 
Phone: (02) 9089 8889 

Dr Naomi Dale: CEO, Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council 
Email: ceo@crtic.com.au 
Phone: 0400 967 860