18 Mar 2024
NSW takes home gold at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
A record three NSW business have taken out the prestigious Gold trophy at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Seven NSW businesses were recognised in total at the Darwin Convention Centre ceremony Friday night.
The coveted Gold trophy in the Major Tourist Attractions category was awarded to the Australian Reptile Park, in Somersby on the beautiful NSW Central Coast.
Now in its 76th year of operation, this family reptile park is also the only Australian zoo with a snake and spider venom milking program, which saves over 300 lives a year.
Small business Love Lord Howe scooped Gold in the Excellence in Food Tourism for its unique outdoor dining experiences on World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island. This is also a win for the Lord Howe Island community, cementing its place on the list of ‘must see' Australian destinations.
“The Australian Reptile Park and Love Lord Howe have each taken out Gold in two highly competitive categories. This is an incredible achievement for these regional businesses,” NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Director Paula Martin said.
“These NSW businesses have shown yet again that regional NSW not only has the attraction of beauty, food, accommodation and visitor experiences, but that is also provides international quality attractions and harnesses the power of regional collaboration.”
The Tweed Shire is enjoying a double celebration as two of their home-grown businesses brought home national awards. The Tweed Tourism Company won Gold in the Tourism Marketing & Campaigns category, and Potager won Silver for Tourism Restaurant & Catering Services.
Two family-run businesses were also acknowledged. Sydney by Kayak won Silver for Ecotourism and Balloon Aloft Australia won Bronze for Adventure Tourism.
Tumbafest continued its winning streak from 2022, taking home its second Bronze medal for Festivals & Events.
“The success of tourism operators showcased at these national tourism awards reinforces that the industry is finally on a path to recovery and is working hard to provide unique visitor experiences for both domestic and international visitors,” Ms Martin said.
“The 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards is great recognition for these businesses. They should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”
EDITORS’ NOTE: A full list of this year’s Qantas Australian Awards NSW winners by category is outlined below.
About NSW Tourism Industry Council
Powered by Business NSW, the NSW Tourism Industry Council helps businesses operating in the Visitor Economy maximise their potential to ensure New South Wales remains the number one tourism destination in Australia.
Media enquiries: Paula Martin – 0414 901 777
2023 QANTAS AUTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS - NSW WINNERS
GOLD
Major Tourist Attractions
- Australian Reptile Park
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
- The Tweed Tourism Company
Excellence in Food Tourism
- Love Lord Howe
SILVER
Ecotourism
- Sydney by Kayak
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
- Potager
BRONZE
Festivals & Events
- Tumbafest Inc
Adventure Tourism
- Balloon Aloft Australia
BEN PIKE
Executive Manager, Marketing and Media
t. 02 9466 4942
m. 0429993822
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