"The NSW Tourism Awards are a celebration of the outstanding innovation and resilience demonstrated again and again by our magnificent industry over the past two years," said NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Manager, Greg Binskin.
"It’s been an extremely challenging period for the NSW visitor economy and after a break in 2020, the return of the NSW Tourism Awards demonstrates the renewed energy of the visitor economy and celebrates the people, places, and vibrant culture of our feel-good state, NSW.
"The Tourism Awards categories recognise the broad range of services and experiences across the broader visitor economy.
"It is impressive to see the number of operators and regions who made the most of lockdowns and restricted travel to build new visitor experiences and worked together to attract domestic visitors to their regions," Mr Binskin said.
"After a break last year, the 2021 awards are our opportunity to showcase NSW's 'visitor first' approach and our strengths in digital innovation, high-quality product and collaborative efforts.
"These awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council in partnership with the NSW Government and Destination NSW, and we look forward to celebrating a path to recovery, re-energise the industry and unify all who are working hard to build back better," Mr Binskin said.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said this year’s finalists embodied the resilient nature of the NSW visitor economy.
"Tourism is an important driver and essential part of the NSW economy," Mr Ayres said.
"The NSW Tourism awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the thousands of individuals who have worked tirelessly during this difficult time, and a great platform to demonstrate why our State is in a fantastic position to be the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific by 2030.
"The NSW Government is proud to partner with the NSW Tourism Industry Council in celebrating the dedication and innovation of our tourism industry, and I congratulate the finalists for 2021."
The NSW Tourism Award Winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner on 3 February 2022. Come and feel new at one of our states most iconic venues, Luna Park Sydney, our venue partner who will roll out the red carpet to showcase its investment in nine fabulous new rides. Winners in the designated national award categories will represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards to be held on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, 18 March 2022.
