Categories & Criteria

This category recognises natural or built attractions that people visit for pleasure and interest. Entrants in this category attract amongst the highest visitor numbers during the qualifying period for New South Wales.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises natural or built attractions that people visit for pleasure and interest. Entrants in this category attract significant visitor numbers during the qualifying period for NSW.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises tourism leisure festivals, events and exhibitions that enhance the profile/awareness and appeal of the destination they are held in as well as creating economic impact, increased visitation and community involvement. 

This category is open to (but not limited to) sporting, arts, historical, cultural, literary, comedy, culinary and general interest festivals, events and exhibitions with local, interstate and international visitor attendance over 50,000 or recognised by the STO as a major event on their event calendar.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises tourism leisure festivals, events and exhibitions that enhance the profile/awareness and appeal of the destination they are held in as well as creating economic impact, increased visitation and community involvement.

This category is open to (but not limited to) sporting, arts, historical, cultural, literary, humorous, culinary and general interest festivals, events and exhibitions with local, interstate and international visitor attendance under 50,000 or NOT recognised by the STO as a major event on their event calendar.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises ecologically sustainable tourism businesses with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas. Entrants in this category foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

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Businesses entering this category will need to complete the Ecotourism Standards questions. Please note that NSW accepts the Eco Tourism Australia Certification. Once your nomination has been approved, email your certificate to admin@nswtourismawards.com.au.

This category recognises tourism businesses that foster a greater understanding and appreciation of authentic culture, history, heritage and/or the arts.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism experiences that demonstrate authenticity and cultivate a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and traditions.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises businesses that sell/provide goods or hire services which contribute to the tourism industry. The contribution made to the tourism industry can be economical (e.g. retail, galleries), experience based (traditionally non-tourism specific experiences e.g. shopping precincts) or service based (e.g. digital solutions for travellers or tourism businesses).

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises the consistent delivery of high quality and face to face information services to the visitor. This category is open to Visitor Information Centres/Tourist Offices, Local Tourist Associations and Regional Tourism Organisations.

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Note: Visitor Information Centres that are not accredited will need to complete the Visitor Information Services standards questions. 

This category recognises venues who provide high quality facilities specifically designed for business visitors e.g. meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises a business who makes a major contribution in the combined provision of touring and transport services. This category is open to businesses with 15 or more annual full-time equivalent employees.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises a business who makes a major contribution in the combined provision of touring and transport services. This category is open to businesses with fewer than 15 annual full-time equivalent employees.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises outdoor adventure tourism experiences that involve visitor participation and a personal challenge.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises creativity and innovation in the promotion of tourism products, services and/or destinations. The focus can be for a specific singular or ongoing campaign or ongoing integrated marketing approach delivering innovative marketing/campaigns that supports the promotion of the tourism industry.

This category is open to digital enterprises, Regional Tourism Organisations, Local Tourist Associations, Visitor Information Centres, Online Travel Agents, local government and marketing alliances. This is not for individual tourism products.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises all restaurants and catering services offering a tourism experience and/or servicing the tourism industry. It is not a food award but does recognise a significant contribution to tourism through the provision of food and beverage. This category is open to hotel or stand-alone restaurants, event caterers, pubs and cafés.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises wineries, distilleries and boutique breweries that offer a cellar door experience and create a significant contribution to tourism.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises tourism excellence in a caravan or holiday park. The focus of this award is on both the facilities and services that enhance the tourism experience.

This category is open to caravan or holiday parks that offer cabin and tenting accommodation and must meet a 3 - 5 Caravan & Holiday Park Star Rating Standard.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

Businesses entering this category are also required to meet accommodation standards specific to the category. This can be demonstrated via the official Star Ratings OR through a pre-assessment rating.

This category recognises hosted accommodation that offers a bed & breakfast, farm stay, cottage or other intimate accommodation experience and must meet a 3 -5 Hosted Accommodation Star Rating Standard.

Serviced apartments, hotels and resorts should consider entry into one of categories 21-24 which best fit their product. For companies that are managing multiple self-contained properties they should focus on one of their properties.

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Note: Entrants are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

Businesses entering this category are also required to meet accommodation standards specific to the category. This can be demonstrated via the official Star Ratings OR through a pre-assessment rating.

This category recognises tourism excellence in accommodation providing a unique tourism experience that includes an overnight accommodation experience with an included activity. The focus of this award is on the uniqueness of the tourism experience.

This category is open to properties developed around unconventional accommodation infrastructure that includes an activity (passive or active). Entry is open – but not limited to – tented holidays, houseboats, tree houses, underground accommodation and yacht charters.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category recognises tourism excellence in accommodation providing guests with non-serviced accommodation and the freedom of self-sufficiency. The focus of this award is on both the facilities and services that enhance the tourism experience.

This category is open to accommodation that offers a self-catered accommodation experience and meets a 3 - 5 Self Catering Accommodation Star Rating Standard.

For companies that are managing multiple self-contained properties it is recommended they focus on one of their properties.

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Note: Entrants  are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

Businesses entering this category are also required to meet accommodation standards specific to the category. This can be demonstrated via the official Star Ratings OR through a pre-assessment rating.

This category recognises serviced accommodation that meets the 3-3.5 Star Rating standard (pre-assessment or final rating). The focus of this award is on both the facilities and services that enhance the tourism experience.

This category is open to accommodation experiences that meets a 3 to 3.5 Star Rating Standard in any Star Rating category.

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Note: Entrants are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

Businesses entering this category are also required to meet accommodation standards specific to the category. This can be demonstrated via the official Star Ratings OR through a pre-assessment rating.

This category recognises serviced accommodation that meets the 4 or 4.5 Star Rating Standard (pre-assessment or final rating). The focus of this award is on both the facilities and services that enhance the tourism experience.

This category is open to accommodation experiences that meets a 4 or 4.5 Star Rating Standard in any Star Rating category.

Download the questions and criteria

Note: Entrants are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

Businesses entering this category are also required to meet accommodation standards specific to the category. This can be demonstrated via the official Star Ratings OR through a pre-assessment rating.

This category recognises serviced accommodation that meets the 5 Star Rating Standard (pre-assessment or final rating). The focus of this award is on both the facilities and services that enhance the tourism experience.

This category is open to accommodation experiences that meets a 5 Star Rating Standard in any Star Rating category.

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Note: Entrants are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

Businesses entering this category are also required to meet accommodation standards specific to the category. This can be demonstrated via the official Star Ratings OR through a pre-assessment rating.

This category recognises new tourism businesses that have commenced trading, visitation or service delivery during the qualifying period*. This award recognises excellence in the planning and development of new tourism infrastructure and/or services. Tourism businesses that have commenced a new product or opened new infrastructure need to enter another category most applicable to the business.

*Please refer to the rules and criteria for details on the qualifying period for this award.

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Note: Entrants are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category is open to food producers, providores, tour operators, cooking schools, food attractions, farm gate experiences, farmers markets, trails and other food tourism experiences in NSW, featuring NSW produce as the core component.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category is open to NSW  tourism businesses or attractions delivering tourism products or services that are welcoming for people of all abilities. Entrants must demonstrate how they have developed a tourism experience to become more accessible.

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Note: Entrants in this category are required to demonstrate that they meet minimum business standards in order to enter the Tourism Awards. This can be demonstrated via relevant accreditation with the Quality Tourism Framework OR as a part of the business standards question set within their submission.

This category is open to all local government authorities and recognises excellence in tourism planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, event development and management, and the overall contribution made both locally and overall to the NSW tourism industry.

Please note: This Award is only offered at the NSW Tourism Awards level. Winners in this category will not proceed to the Australian Tourism Awards.

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This award recognises an individual, less than 35 years of age, working in the tourism industry and their contribution to the development of a vibrant and professional tourism industry.

Please note: This Award is only offered at the NSW Tourism Awards level. Winners in this category will not proceed to the Australian Tourism Awards.

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This award recognises the outstanding contribution by an individual to the NSW tourism industry, honouring those who go over and above their own commercial focus to contribute to the broader industry. 

Please note: This Award is only offered at the NSW Tourism Awards level. Winners in this category will not proceed to the Australian Tourism Awards.

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New for the 2023 NSW Tourism Awards, this state-based category recognises businesses who go over and above their day-to-day commercial focus, to prevent visitor litter reaching or remaining in the natural environment.

Eligibility: Entrants must demonstrate leadership, commitment, permission (including empowerment and resources for staff and customers) and an established process.

Please note: This Award is only offered at the NSW Tourism Awards level. Winners in this category will not proceed to the Australian Tourism Awards.

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