BUSINESS NSW VISITOR ECONOMY awards
NSW Tourism Industry Council, powered by Business NSW, is excited to announce the expansion of Visitor Economy categories as part of the 2024 State Business Awards for NSW.
This initiative recognises tourism excellence and supports the various facets of the visitor economy, celebrating the creativity and dedication demonstrated by tourism businesses and organisations across NSW.
From innovative travel experiences and projects, exceptional guest services to impactful collaborations in the visitor economy and 24-hour economy, the program showcases tourism excellence.
By participating you not only have the opportunity to gain acknowledgment and elevate the profile of your tourism enterprise but also become part of a community of passionate individuals who share your pursuit of excellence. Our esteemed panel of judges comprises industry leaders equipped with extensive knowledge and expertise, providing invaluable feedback and insights to propel your business to greater heights.
Finalists for the Visitor Economy Segment – 2024 State Business Awards have been announced
Tickets are now available to the State Business Awards Gala
KEY 2024 PROGRAM DATES
Entries Open: Friday 26 July
Entry Deadline: Wednesday 4 September
Finalists Announced: Wednesday 2 October
Business NSW State Business Awards: Wednesday 30th October, International Convention Centre Sydney
2024 Finalists
Who can enter?
Entry is open to any tourism business/ organisation based in NSW that holds a valid ABN, subject to the entry criteria for each individual award.
If you are not a member of Business NSW or any of our subsidiaries, you will become a free member during the registration process.
1. Outstanding Visitor Experience
The Outstanding Visitor Experience award recognises a business that understands the importance of visitor engagement for a region’s economy and reputation. The business needs to articulate how they promote the region as well as offering an exceptional visitor experience.
Entry criteria
Entrants are required to demonstrate how their business showcases the region/community and how their offering is unique within their industry.
2024 Finalists:
8 at Trinity, Morisset Park
Amaroo Valley Springs, Kangaroo Valley
Aquamarine Adventures, Nelson Bay
Australian Reptile Park, Somersby
Bens Fall Retreat, Emmaville
CoastXP, Newcastle
Cupitt's Estate, Ulladulla
Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin
Farm & Co Restaurant, Cudgen
Forster Dive Centre, Tuncurry
Ladbroken Distillery Brewhouse, Tumbarumba
Narooma Oyster Festival, Narooma
Paperbark Camp, Woollamia
Potager, Carool
Sails Holiday Park, Belmont
South Coast Ale Trail, Merimbula
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Barrack Heights
Stay n' Sip, Pokolbin
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Mooney Mooney
Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh
The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour
Zig Zag Railway Co-Op Ltd, Clarence
2. Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration
The Outstanding Visitor Economy* Collaboration Award recognises innovative projects undertaken in the past 12 months by a Local Government, Business Chamber, Visitor Information Centre, Tourism Industry Association, or groups of operators (two or more) that aims to maximise their economic impact on the local and/or regional visitor economy.
Entry criteria
Entrants are required to demonstrate how their project showcases the region/ community including details of how collaboration and alignment of tourism operators, business and the community contributed to the project’s success.
Projects may include but are not limited to:
· New product or innovative product development
· Upgrades or enhancements to tourism infrastructure or services
· Generating knowledge and/or insight to improve decision making
· Creating partnerships to advance industry performance
· A marketing or awareness campaign
· An initiative to address a sector specific challenge
* The visitor economy encompasses the direct and indirect contributions to the economy resulting from a person (a visitor) travelling outside their normal place of residence. (NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030)
2024 Finalists:
GLOW at Sydney Zoo, Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee
My Manly Campaign, Northern Beaches Council and Manly Business Chamber
Sonic Neon, Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point
The Big Chill Festival, Armidale Regional Council
3. Outstanding 24-Hour Economy Collaboration
The Outstanding 24-hour Economy* Collaboration Award recognises innovative projects undertaken in the past 12 months by a Local Government, Business Chamber, Visitor Information Centre, Tourism Industry Association, or groups of operators (two or more) that aims to maximise their economic impact on the local and/ or regional 24-hour economy.
Entry criteria
Entrants are required to demonstrate how their 24-hour economy projects showcases the region/ community including details of how collaboration and alignment of tourism operators, business and the community contributed to the project’s success.
Projects may include but are not limited to:
· Cultural festivals & night markets
· Technology integrations
· Late night retail activations
· Collaborative promotions, marketing campaigns or loyalty programmes
· Night entertainment zones
· Evening culinary experiences
· Safety & accessibility improvements
· Night-time art exhibitions
· Food & wine precinct creation
* What is the 24-hour Economy?
When we talk about a 24-hour economy, the focus is on how we make our economy just as vibrant, productive and diverse in the night as it is throughout the day. The night-time economy consists of all the activities that take place as the traditional ‘business day’ ends. There are three distinct nighttime periods (see below), each with their own set of dynamics and community needs. The night-time economy is made up of a broad range of industries. These include ‘core businesses’ such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, theatres, festivals, markets and live music and ‘non-core’ or supporting businesses, including transport, retail, service industries, educational establishments and gyms.
Daytime 0600 – 1800, Evening 1800 – 2100, Night-time 2100 – 0200, Late Night 0200 - 0600
2024 Finalists:
Luna Park in the Dark, Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point
Origami Folding Light & Sound Festival, FunHaus Factory Inc, Gosford
4. Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
The Excellence in Sustainable Tourism* Award recognises a tourism business that has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices both internally and in customer interactions. The award recognises efforts to minimise environmental impacts from its operations.
Entry criteria
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at time of entry across the key area of sustainable tourism*. Category criteria are based on initiatives and projects executed within the business not related to its core offering.
* Sustainable tourism is defined as "Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environement and host communitites. (United Nations Environment Progrsm and World Toruism Organisation, Making tourism more sustainable: A Guide for Policy Makers, 2005
2024 Finalists:
Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay
Highfield Farm and Woodland, Mt Adrah
Iris Lodge Alpacas, Jilliby
Kalinya Estate, Bargo
Mt Hay Retreat, Broughton Vale
Navigate Expeditions, Kalaru
Sydney By Kayak, Lavender Bay
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Mooney Mooney
5. Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the NSW Tourism Industry
Named in honour of Dean Gorddard, former Executive Manager of the NSW Tourism Industry Council, who is remembered for his dedication to the state's visitor economy. He was a passionate advocate for the tourism industry, particularly in rural and regional areas.
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.
Entry criteria
Nominations are accepted from any party except the nominee.
The award will not be made to the same person twice.
Note: The emphasis should be on personal and professional commitment and contribution beyond what would be deemed part of their job. Their tourism contribution outside of their normal work should be emphasised.
2024 Finalists
The finalists and winner of this prestigious award will be revealed on the evening of the Awards ceremony.