NSW visitor economy businesses were honoured at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards on 15 March 2024, with a total of seven outstanding NSW operators recognised.
Three NSW businesses took home gold trophies in their categories.
The Gold trophy in the Major Tourist Attractions category was awarded to the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast.
Australian Reptile Park said: "It’s truly amazing to be recognised for all of our hard work and efforts we put into providing the best family day out. From our lifesaving snake and spider antivenom programs, to educating future generations about our incredible animals, we are so proud of the work we do and the incredible passion of our team."
The Tweed Tourism Company won Gold in the Tourism Marketing & Campaigns category.
The Tweed Tourism Company General Manager Sally Scott said: "For our Tweed marketing campaigns to be recognised as the best in Australia amongst so many stellar destinations and products is a humbling acknowledgement and one that affirms the Tweed's place as one of the country's leading tourism regions."
Love Lord Howe, which provides outdoor catering experiences, took out Gold in the Excellence in Food Tourism category.
Love Lord Howe said: "We are humbled and delighted to win for NSW and for Lord Howe Island!"
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 (ATIC), the ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses across the visitor economy, with 23 NSW operators from Tweed Heads to Tumbarumba among the finalists.
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.”
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/