Mr Grant said the winners represented the very best tourism events, experiences and accommodation offerings in regional and metropolitan NSW.

‘Congratulations to all winners as we celebrate 25 years of the NSW Tourism Awards,’ Mr Grant said.

‘They have helped us grow the value of NSW tourism, which reached $28 billion last year – an increase of 5.4 per cent. Our top notch accommodation providers also helped the State welcome a total of 82.5 million visitors, who stayed 161.6 million nights.’

Attending the ceremony at Dockside Pavilion in Darling Harbour last night, Mr Barilaro said it was pleasing to see so many regional tourism providers and organisations represented across the 32 award categories.

‘I would like to congratulate all nominees in this year’s awards program and thank them for their commitment to this important industry,’ Mr Barilaro said.

‘The awards identify the breadth of our high quality tourism events and services, like the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival and the truly country Camden Show, to Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Moree’s Visitor Information Centre.

‘I had the pleasure of presenting awards to some outstanding individuals, who were recognised for their contribution to the industry, including Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to NSW – Ken Corbett of Australian Attractions; Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to Local Tourism – Lesley Raymond Moulds of Tourism Inverell; and Young Achiever in Tourism – Anthea Hammon of Scenic World.’

The NSW Tourism Awards are made up of 32 categories and include attractions, festivals, events, ecotourism, tour and transport operators, marketing and accommodation and outstanding contribution from individuals.

For a full list of this year’s winners, please visit the NSW Tourism Awards website at: nswtourismawards.com.au

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