The inaugural Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2024, hosted by Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce NSW Inc, was a night to remember as industry leaders, government officials and tourism businesses came together to honour the best of the region's visitor economy.
Held on 24 October 2024 at the William Inglis Hotel, the event showcased the diversity and excellence of Western Sydney with multicultural entertainment, delicious cuisine and a sense of celebration in the air.
The event highlighted the achievements of Western Sydney's tourism industry. Welcome notes were given by Liverpool City Council Deputy Mayor Peter Harle, Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox and Western Sydney International Airport General Manager – External Affairs and Communication Catherine Payne.
Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce Chair Fazila Farhad said: “As we eagerly anticipate the opening of WSI Airport in just two short years, we are proud to announce the winners of the Western Sydney Tourism Awards.
"These awards are being proactively held to showcase to the international and local markets the cluster of our tourism assets showcasing art, music, hotels, events, campaigns, leadership and history with businesses that have excelled in day and night visitation.
"We are an international destination and will continue to work with Asia Pacific markets to showcase our region and advocate for our visitor economy.”
Thirteen awards were presented in categories ranging from art and music to hotels and events, with winners receiving recognition from industry leaders such as Qantas, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Vietnam Airlines, Quest Hotels, Mercure /Liverpool Catholic Club, Cabravale Diggers /Novotel and Winter Sports World, Park Royal Parramatta, and University of Wollongong. Vietnam Airlines sponsored a lucky draw for two tickets to Vietnam, adding an extra element of excitement to the evening.
Overall, the Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2024 was a resounding success, demonstrating the region's commitment to excellence in the tourism industry.
The winners
1. Campaign Awards 2024 - Hotels / Tourism Business- MAJOR
Platinum Winner: “Ready for It”, Holiday Inn Parramatta (above)
Gold Winner: “Land of OZ”, Camden Valley Inn
Silver Winner: Little India Liverpool
2. Events Campaign Awards – Councils
Platinum Winner: “Parramatta Lanes”, City of Parramatta
Gold Winner: Liverpool City Council – “Experience the World”
3. Business Event Festival for the Year - MAJOR
Platinum Winner: “Glow”, Sydney Zoo (above)
Gold Winner: Wollondilly Shire Council – “Illuminate Festival of Art & Light”
4. Tour Group Experience of the Year
Platinum Winner: “GDT Journey”, Golden Dragon Travel
Gold Winner: Wollondilly Tours
5. Best Visitor Economy Event - Day Visitation
Platinum Winner: “Thirlmere Festival of Steam”, Transport Heritage NSW & Wollondilly Shire Council
Gold Winner: Blacktown City Council – “Medieval Fayre”
6. Best Visitor Economy Event - Night Visitation
Platinum Winner: “Most Blessed Nights”, Liverpool City Council
7. Outstanding Business Leader of the year - MAJOR
Platinum Winner: Jake Burgess, Sydney Zoo
Platinum Winner: Amanda Barnes, Kalinya Estates
Gold Winner: Anurag Sharma, Holiday Inn Paramatta
8. Outstanding Community Engagement
Platinum Winner: June Young, Lifeline Macarthur
Platinum Winner: Michael Foulkes, Cabravale Diggers
Gold Winner: Brent Hilbrink Watson, Wollondilly Tours
Silver Winner: Irlanda Garcia, Skye Suites Parramatta
9. Best Rated Cuisine - Hotels/Clubs/Restaurants
Platinum Winner: “China Doll”, West HQ
Gold Winner: “Bellbird Dining and Bar”, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
Gold Winner: “District 8”, Cabravale Diggers
Silver Winner: Menangle Country Club
10. Best Historical Venue – Visitation
Platinum Winner: NSW Rail Museum
Gold Winner: Kalinya Estate
11. Best Music and Arts Venue
Platinum Winner: Sydney Coliseum Theatre, West HQ
Gold Winner: Campbelltown Arts Centre
Gold Winner: Riverside Theatres Parramatta
12. Best Multicultural Show/Event
Platinum Winner: “Cabramatta Moon Festival”, Fairfield City Council
Gold Winner: “Motherland Africa”, Liverpool City Council
13. Tourism Business of the Year MAJOR
Platinum Winner: Accor Stadium - Olympic Park (above)
Gold Winner: Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
Silver Winner: Liverpool Catholic Club
Silver Winner: The William Inglis Hotel
Special Award: Outstanding Contribution to Tourism 50 years in Western Sydney
Featherdale Wildlife Park