As the number one provider of holiday accommodation across regional NSW, the caravan and camping industry plays a vital role in driving visitation, supporting local businesses and strengthening communities.

This week, the Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW (CCIA NSW) 2026 Awards of Excellence, have celebrated the businesses and individuals whose innovation, leadership and commitment continue to set the benchmark for the industry.

Held on 13 August at the Western Sydney Convention Centre, the annual awards brought together industry members from across NSW to recognise outstanding businesses, employees, emerging leaders and teams across the holiday park, residential land lease community, manufacturing and caravan trade sectors.

This year's winners showcased an industry committed to continuous improvement, embracing fresh ideas and practical solutions to enhance visitor experiences and support regional communities. Entries highlighted leadership in sustainability, accessible tourism, workforce development and customer experience, reinforcing the sector's significant contribution to regional NSW.

The highest individual honour, the Max Elsley Award for Commitment to a Stronger NSW Industry, was presented to Michael McIvor, Managing Director of Experience Broken Hill. Mr McIvor was recognised for more than 16 years of leadership and advocacy for regional tourism, championing workforce, infrastructure and policy reform while helping strengthen the profile of Broken Hill and outback NSW as leading tourism destinations.

CCIA NSW CEO Wayne Lange said Mr McIvor's contribution reflected the leadership and commitment that continue to strengthen the state’s caravan and camping industry.

"Michael's commitment to regional tourism and the wider caravan and camping industry has made a lasting impact and his leadership, advocacy and willingness to champion the issues that matter make him a deserving recipient of this year's Max Elsley Award.”

Mr Lange said this year's award recipients demonstrated the strength of an industry continually investing in better visitor experiences while supporting the regional communities in which they operate.

"As the number one provider of holiday accommodation across regional NSW, our industry plays a vital role in the success of communities across the state and these awards recognise the businesses and people who continue to invest, innovate and raise the standard, ensuring caravan and camping remains one of NSW's great regional tourism success stories."

Destination NSW’s Tenille Campbell was proud to present the award for Holiday Park of the Year (Fewer than 100 Sites).

Major business award recipients

Holiday Parks

  • BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park — NSW Holiday Park of the Year (Fewer than 100 Sites)
  • Discovery Holiday Parks Forster — Joint NSW Holiday Park of the Year (More than 100 Sites)
  • Tathra Beach Eco Camp — Joint NSW Holiday Park of the Year (More than 100 Sites)
  • Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park — NSW Holiday Park Innovation Award
  • Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach — NSW Holiday Park on Crown Land Award

Manufacturing, Trade and Industry Services

  • Suncamper Motorhomes — NSW Manufacturer of the Year
  • Bold Trailer and Caravan Repair Centre — NSW RV Repairer of the Year
  • Jayco Newcastle — NSW Trade Dealer/Retailer/Wholesaler of the Year
  • Smarttek — NSW Industry Provider of the Year

Residential Land Lease Communities

  • GemLife Rainbow Beach — NSW Land Lease Community of the Year
  • Hometown Australia Management Pty Ltd Laurieton Residential Resort — NSW Land Lease Community Innovation Award

The Awards of Excellence also recognised outstanding achievement across the Employee of the Year, Young Achiever, Team of the Year and Judges' Commendation categories.

A full list of the 2026 CCIA NSW Awards of Excellence winners is available here.

"Behind every award is a business or individual committed to doing things better, and it's that commitment to excellence that continues to strengthen our industry and ensure caravan and camping remains one of NSW's great tourism success stories," Mr Lange said.