15 Mar 2024
NSW triumphs at 2023 Australian Tourism Awards
The NSW tourism sector was honoured at last night’s 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, with a total of seven outstanding NSW businesses recognised. A record three NSW visitor economy operators brought home gold trophies in their categories.
The coveted Gold trophy in the Major Tourist Attractions category was awarded to the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast, small business Love Lord Howe took out Gold in the Excellence in Food Tourism and The Tweed Tourism Company won Gold in the Tourism Marketing & Campaigns category.
Silver medals were awarded to Potager for Tourism Restaurant & Catering Services and Sydney by Kayak for Ecotourism. Balloon Aloft Australia for Adventure Tourism and Tumbafest for Festivals & Events were also acknowledged and were awarded Bronze medals.
Hosted by the Australian Tourism Industry Council, the ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses across the state’s visitor economy, with 23 tourism operators from Tweed Heads to Tumbarumba among the finalists, confirming NSW is delivering the nation’s best products and experiences to international and domestic visitors.
The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards is the tourism council’s national standard of excellence, recognising and honouring exceptional businesses and individuals who have shown dedication and innovation to elevate the tourism experience to a whole new level for local visitors and travelling guests.
The NSW Government has dedicated funding programs and initiatives such as the Regional Event Fund and Vibrancy Reforms, along with strategic investment in critical infrastructure, including Aerotropolis and Western Sydney International Airport to instil confidence in the NSW visitor economy, setting the course for a prosperous and vibrant future for the state.
NSW WINNERS IN THE 2023 QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS
- Major Tourist Attractions - Australian Reptile Park, Somersby (Gold)
- Excellence in Food Tourism - Love Lord Howe, Lord Howe Island (Gold)
- Tourism Marketing & Campaigns - The Tweed Tourism Company, Tweed Heads (Gold)
- Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services – Potager, Carool (Silver)
- Ecotourism - Sydney by Kayak, Lavendar Bay (Silver)
- Adventure Tourism - Balloon Aloft Australia (Bronze)
- Festivals & Events - Tumbafest Inc, Tumbarumba (Bronze)
NSW FINALISTS IN 2023 QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS
- Major Tourist Attractions - Australian Reptile Park, Somersby
- Tourist Attractions - Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
- Major Festivals & Events - Tamworth Country Music Festival
- Festivals & Events - Tumbafest Inc, Tumbarumba
- Ecotourism - Sydney by Kayak, Lavendar Bay
- Cultural Tourism - Local Sauce Tours, Sydney
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism Experience - Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience, Coffs Harbour
- Tourism Retail and Hire Services - Sydney Harbour Kayaks, Mosman
- Visitor Information Services - Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
- Business Event Venues - Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, Central Coast
- Major Tour & Transport Operators - Moonshadow-TQC Cruise, Nelson Bay
- Tour & Transport Operators - Vision Walks – Eco Tours, Byron Bay
- Adventure Tourism - Balloon Aloft Australia
- Tourism Marketing & Campaigns - The Tweed Tourism Company, Tweed Heads
- Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services – Potager, Carool
- Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries - Husk Farm Distillery, North Tumbulgum
- Unique Accommodation - Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat, Camden Haven
- Self Contained Accommodation - Peppertree Collection, Mudgee
- 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation - Oriana Retro Hotel and Resort, Orange
- 5 Star Luxury Accommodation - Kalinya Estate, Bargo
- New Tourism Business - Contained in Nimbin Accommodation, Nimbin
- Excellence in Food Tourism - Love Lord Howe, Lord Howe Island
- Excellence in Accessible Tourism - Cocky Guides
For a full list of winners and runners up, visit the Australian Tourism Awards website: https://www.qualitytourismaustralia.com/australian-tourism-awards/
MEDIA CONTACT:
Press Office | 0412 492 569 | pressoffice@dnsw.com.au