Business NSW News
NSW CELEBRATED AT QANTAS NATIONAL TOURISM AWARDS
Eight NSW businesses have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the state’s visitor economy, at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
19 March 2022
“This is great recognition for those businesses, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements tonight,” said Simon Spellicy, President, NSW Tourism Industry Council.
“NSW leads the way in the road to recovery of the national visitor economy and after the disruption caused by lockdowns, international border closure and domestic travel restrictions to have many acknowledge at tonight’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards is a reflection of the work done by the thousands of tourism operators across the state,” Mr Spellicy said.
“What’s also great to see is the geographical spread of the winning businesses, with each area of NSW facing their own unique challenges in the past 24 months.
“We know that as an industry, tourism is often the first hit by natural disasters such as floods, droughts, bushfires and the recent covid pandemic have ravaged the state and made things particularly difficult to be in business – that’s why diversification of tourism offerings is so vital.
NSW National Award winners:
Congratulations to Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks for taking out the gold in the Caravan & Holiday Parks category.
Gold
Caravan & Holiday Parks - Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks
Silver
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries - Heifer Station Wines
Unique Accommodation - Sierra Escape
Bronze
Major Tourist Attractions - Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns - Mudgee Region Tourism
Tourist Attractions - Oakvale Wildlife Park
Self Contained Accomm - Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga
4-4.5 Star Accomm - The Byng Street Boutique Hotel
All of these key activities will provide a much-needed boost to the accommodation sector, transport operators, retailers, arts and culture, food and beverage suppliers, restaurants and cafes which all contribute to the visitor economy eco-system.
“With the recent opening of our borders to international flights, the flow of visiting friends and relative reconnecting with families, returning international students and working holiday makers starting to land in Australia we are starting to see the stepping-stones of recovery.
“And now with the pending re-commencement of cruising from our world class city of Sydney we will again see an increase of visitors and foot traffic back into our CBD and The Rocks precinct bringing support to the deep supply chain of goods and services that make up the visitor economy.
“All of these key activities will provide a much-needed boost to the accommodation sector, transport operators, retailers, arts and culture, food and beverage suppliers, restaurants and cafes which all contribute to the visitor economy eco-system.
“I would encourage other businesses to enter the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards later this year, which is the only way to qualify for the national tourism awards which will be held in NSW in early 2023,” Mr Spellicy said.
High Commendations
Newly introduced for 2021 in recognition of QATA finalists who scored over 80%. Demonstrating the high standard of NSW entries.
- Major Festivals & Events: Caravan & Camping Industry Assc NSW
- Festivals & Events: Deni Play on the Plains Festival
- Tourism Retail & Hire Services: Sydney Harbour Kayaks
- Visitor Information Services: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
- Business Event Venues: Taronga Zoo Sydney
- Tour & Transport Operators: Tweed Eco Cruises
7. Adventure Tourism: Lets Go Surfing
8. Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services: The River Deck
9. Hosted Accommodation: Blueberry Hills on Comleroy
10. 3-3.5 Star Accommodation: Manera Heights Apartments
11. 5 Star Accommodation: Mt Hay Retreat
12. Excellence In Food Tourism: Blue Ginger Picnics
